Moss genes from physcomitrella patens encoding proteins involved in the synthesis of tocopherols and carotenoids

ABSTRACT

Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TCMRP nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel TCMRPs from e.g.  Phycomitrella patens  are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing TCMRP nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated TCMRPs, mutated TCMRPs, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from transformed cells, organisms or plants based on genetic engineering of TCMRP genes in these organisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Certain products and by-products of naturally-occurring metabolic processes in cells have utility in a wide array of industries, including the food, feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. These molecules, collectively termed ‘fine chemicals’, include organic acids, both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, nucleotides and nucleosides, lipids and fatty acids, carotenoids, diols, carbohydrates, aromatic compounds, vitamins and cofactors and enzymes.

[0002] Their production is most conveniently performed through the large-scale culture of bacteria developed to produce and secrete large quantities of one or more desired molecules. One particularly useful organism for this purpose is Corynebacterium glutamicum, a gram positive, nonpathogenic bacterium.

[0003] Through strain selection, a number of mutant strains of the respective microorganisms have been developed which produce an array of desirable compounds. However, selection of strains improved for the production of a particular molecule is a time-consuming and difficult process.

[0004] Alternatively the production of fine chemicals can be most conveniently performed via the large scale production of plants developed to produce one of aforementioned fine chemicals. Of particular interest for this purpose are all crop plants for food and feed uses. Increased or modulated compositions of fine chemicals like amino acids, vitamins and nucleotides, in these plants would lead to optimized nutritional qualities.

[0005] Through conventional breeding, a number of mutant plants have been developed which produce increased amounts of for example, carotenoids, and amino acids. However, selection of new plant cultivars improved for the production of a particular molecule is a time-consuming and difficult process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention provides novel nucleic acid molecules which may be used to modify tocopherols and carotenoids in plants, algae and microorganisms.

[0007] The naturally occurring eight compounds with vitamin E activity are derivatives of 6-chromanol (Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A 27 (1996), VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Chapter 4., 478-488, Vitamin E). The group of the tocopherols (1α-δ) has a saturated side chain, while the group of the tocotrienols (2α-δ) has an unsaturated side chain:

[0008] 1a, α-tocopherol: R¹=R²=R³CH₃

[0009] 1b, β-tocopherol: R¹=R³=CH₃, R²=H

[0010] 1c, γ-tocopherol: R¹=H, R²=R³=CH₃

[0011] 1d, δ-tocopherol: R¹=R²=H R³ =CH₃

[0012] 2b, α-tocotrienol: R¹=R²=R³ CH₃

[0013] 2b, β-tocotrienol: R¹=R³=CH₃, R=H

[0014] 2b, γ-tocotrienol: R¹=H, R²=R³ =CH₃

[0015] 2b, δ-tocotrienol: R¹=R²=H, R³CH₃

[0016] In the present invention, tocopherols are to be understood as meaning all the abovementioned tocopherols and tocotrienols and derivates thereof with vitamin E activity.

[0017] These compounds with vitamin E activity (vitamin E compounds) are important natural lipid-soluble substances, which among other activities have especially the function of antioxidants. A lack of vitamin E in humans and animals leads to pathophysiological situations. Vitamin E compounds therefore have an important economical value as additives in the food and feed sectors, in pharmaceutical formulations and in cosmetic applications.

[0018] An economical method for the production of vitamin E compounds, and foodstuffs and animal feeds with an elevated vitamin E content are therefore of great importance.

[0019] WO 00/10380 describes the gene sequence encoding the 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase from the prokaryotic organism Synechocystis spec. PCC6803. WO 97/27285 describes the mapping of the gene locus of p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase encoding gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. Speculations are done about the effects of overexpression or downregulation of the plant enzyme on the vitamin E content or herbicide resistance in transgenic plants. WO 99/04622 and D. DellaPenna et al., Science 1998, 282, 2098-2100 describe gene sequences encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase from Synechocystis PCC6803 and Arabidopsis thaliana and their incorporation into plants. However, the transgenic plants show only a shift in the spectum of tocopherols, i.e. a shift from gamma-tocopherol to alpha-tocopherol because of the higher expression of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase. No data are shown concerning a higher yield of tocopherols, i. e. a quantitative improvement in tocopherol content.

[0020] To date no economical methods are available for an effective production of tocopherols and/or carotinoids in transgenic organisms, i. e. for effectively increasing the metabolite flow in the direction of increased tocopherol and/or carotinoid content in transgenic organisms, for example in transgenic plants, by overexpressing one or several biosynthesis genes, alone or in any combination, related to the tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolism.

[0021] Methods which are particularly economical are biotechnological methods which exploit proteins and biosynthesis genes from tocopherol or carotinoid biosynthesis from organisms producing these compounds.

[0022] Microorganisms like Corynebacterium and fungi and algae like Phaeodactylum are commonly used in industry for the large-scale production of a variety of fine chemicals.

[0023] Given the availability of cloning vectors for use in Corynebacterium glutamicum, such as those disclosed in Sinskey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,119, and techniques for genetic manipulation of C. glutamicum and the related Brevibacterium species (e.g., lactofermentum) (Yoshihama et al, J. Bacteriol. 162: 591-597 (1985); Katsumata et al., J. Bacteriol. 159: 306-311 (1984); and Santamaria et al., J. Gen. Microbiol. 130: 2237-2246 (1984)), the nucleic acid molecules of the invention may be utilized in the genetic engineering of this organism to make it a better or more efficient producer of one or more fine chemicals. This improved production or efficiency of production of a fine chemical may be due to a direct effect of manipulation of a gene of the invention, or it may be due to an indirect effect of such manipulation.

[0024] Given the availability of cloning vectors and techniques for genetic manipulation of ciliates such as disclosed in WO9801572 or algae and related organisms such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum (described in Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology 1 (3):239-251 as well as Dunahay et al. 1995, Genetic transformation of diatoms, J. Phycol. 31:10004-1012 and references therein) the nucleic acid molecules of the invention may be utilized in the genetic engineering of these organisms to make them better or more efficient producers of one or more fine chemicals. This improved production or efficiency of production of a fine chemical may be due to a direct effect of manipulation of a gene of the invention, or it may be due to an indirect effect of such manipulation.

[0025] The moss Physcomitrella patens represents one member of the mosses. It is related to other mosses such as Ceratodon purpureus which is capable to grow in the absense of light. Further Physcomitrella patens represents the only plant organism which can be utilized for targeted disruption of genes by homologous recombination. Mutants generated by this technique are useful to characterize the function for genes described in the invention. Mosses like Ceratodon and Physcomitrella share a high degree of homology on the DNA sequence and polypeptide level allowing the use of heterologous screening of DNA molecules with probes evolving from other mosses or organisms, thus enabling the derivation of a consensus sequence suitable for heterologous screening or functional annotation and prediction of gene functions in third species. The ability to identify such functions can therefor have significant relevance, e.g., prediction of substrate specificity of enzymes. Further, these nucleic acid molecules may serve as reference points for the mapping of moss genomes, or of genomes of related organisms.

[0026] This invention provides novel nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins, referred to herein as Tocopherol, and Carotenoid Metabolism Related Proteins (TCMRP). These TCMRPs are capable of, for example, performing an enzymatic step involved in the metabolism of certain fine chemicals, including tocopherols and/or carotenoids.

[0027] Given the availability of cloning vectors for use in plants and plant transformation, such as those published in and cited therein: Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.), chapter 6/7, S.71-119 (1993); F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds.: Kung und R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, 15-38; B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds.: Kung und R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225)) the nucleic acid molecules of the invention may be utilized in the genetic engineering of a wide variety of plants to make it a better or more efficient producer of one or more fine chemicals. This improved production or efficiency of production of a fine chemical may be due to a direct effect of manipulation of a gene of the invention, or it may be due to an indirect effect of such manipulation.

[0028] There are a number of mechanisms by which the alteration of an TCMRP of the invention may directly affect the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a fine chemical in plant due to such an altered protein.

[0029] The nucleic acid and protein molecules of the invention may directly improve the production or efficiency of production of one or more desired fine chemicals from microorganisms and plants. Using recombinant genetic techniques well known in the art, one or more of the biosynthetic or degradative enzymes of the invention for tocopherols and/or carotinoids may be manipulated such that its function is modulated. For example, a biosynthetic enzyme may be improved in efficiency, or its allosteric control region destroyed such that feedback inhibition of production of the compound is prevented. Similarly, a degradative enzyme may be deleted or modified by substitution, deletion, or addition such that its degradative activity is lessened for the desired compound without impairing the viability of the cell.

[0030] Further, one gene or one enzyme of the invention for tocopherols and/or carotinoids or preferably a combination of several genes or enzymes of the invention can be transformed into host cells (e. g. starting organism or already genetically modified host system), whereby the gene(s) or enzyme(s) can be modified either in their activity or number in the correponding host cell (e.g. plant). Besides, the host cell itself might be already genetically manipulated (e.g. in key position of the pathway) in the way that the flux of metabolites can be directed to higher yields of tocopherols and/or carotinoids, when the cell is used to be transformed with one or more genes (encoding the corresonding enzymes) of the invention for tocopherols and/or carotinoids. In each case, the overall yield or rate of production of the desired fine chemical may be increased. In one preferred embodiment of the instant invention the genes encoding the TCMR proteins γ-tocopherol-methyltransferase (gamma-TMT type I), 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol methyltransferase (gamma-TMT type II) and/or 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase alone or in any combination have a substancial effect on the production of the desired fine chemical, preferred vitamin E compounds or in the production of relevant precursors, e.g. tocopherol precursors such as homogentisic acid and/or phytylpyrophosphate and/or geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate. In the instant invention, the genes encoding these enzymes mentioned above, i.e. γ-tocopherol-methyltransferase (gamma-TMT type I), 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol methyltransferase (gamma-TMT type II) and/or 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, can be isolated from the moss Physcomitrella patens and transferred into suitable host cells, but the invention is not limited to this organism as a source for the nucleic acid isolation. Thus, the mentioned genes and/or enzymes can also be isolated from any other organisms, e.g. prokaryotes or eukaryotes, which comprises an endogenous sequence mentioned above. Preferred examples for such organisms, especially in view to the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, are Streptomyces avermitilis (database accession number of the corresponding gene is AL 096852), Rattus norwegicus (database accession number AF 082834), Synechocystis spec. PCC6803 or Arabidopsis thaliana (DellaPenna, D. et al., 1998, Science, 282, 2098-2100).

[0031] It is also possible that alterations in the protein and nucleotide molecules of the invention may improve the production of other fine chemicals besides the tocopherols and/or carotinoids through indirect mechanisms. Metabolism of any one compound is necessarily intertwined with other biosynthetic and degradative pathways within the cell, and necessary cofactors, intermediates, or substrates in one pathway are likely supplied or limited by another such pathway. Therefore, by modulating the activity of one or more of the proteins of the invention, the production or efficiency of activity of another fine chemical biosynthetic or degradative pathway may be impacted. For example, amino acids serve as the structural units of all proteins, yet may be present intracellularly in levels which are limiting for protein synthesis; therefore, by increasing the efficiency of production or the yields of one or more amino acids within the cell, proteins, such as biosynthetic or degradative proteins, may be more readily synthesized. Likewise, an alteration in a metabolic pathway enzyme such that a particular side reaction becomes more or less favored may result in the over- or under-production of one or more compounds which are utilized as intermediates or substrates for the production of a desired fine chemical.

[0032] Those TCMRPs involved in the transport of fine chemical molecules from the cell may be increased in number or activity such that greater quantities of these compounds are allocated to different plant cell compartments or the cell exterior space from which they are more readily recovered and partitioned into the biosynthetic flux or deposited. Similarly, those TCMRPs involved in the import of nutrients necessary for the biosynthesis of one or more fine chemicals (e.g. tocopherols and/or carotinoids) may be increased in number or activity such that these precursors, cofactors, or intennediate compounds are increased in concentration within the cell or within the storing compartments. The invention pertains to an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes an TCMRP or an TCMRP polypeptide involved in assisting in transmembrane transport.

[0033] The mutagenesis of one or more TCMRPs of the invention may also result in TCMRPs having altered activities which indirectly impact the production of one or more desired fine chemicals from plants. For example, TCMRPs of the invention involved in the export of waste products may be increased in number or activity such that the normal metabolic wastes of the cell (possibly increased in quantity due to the overproduction of the desired fine chemical) are efficiently exported before they are able to damage nucleic acids and proteins within the cell (which would decrease the viability of the cell) or to interfere with fine chemical biosynthetic pathways (which would decrease the yield, production, or efficiency of production of the desired fine chemical). Further, the relatively large intracellular quantities of the desired fine chemical may in itself be toxic to the cell or may interfere with enzyme feedback mechanisms such as allosteric regulation, so by increasing the activity or number of transporters able to export this compound from the compartment, one may increase the viability of seed cells, in turn leading to a greater number of cells in the culture producing the desired fine chemical. The TCMRPs of the invention may also be manipulated such that the relative amounts of different tocopherols and/or carotinoids are produced. This can be appreciable for optimizing plant nutritional composition. In plants these changes can moreover also influence other characteristic like tolerance towards abiotic and biotic stress conditions.

[0034] This invention provides novel nucleic acid molecules which encode TCMRPs, which are capable of, for example, performing an enzymatic step involved in the metabolism of molecules important for the normal functioning of cells, such as tocopherols and/or carotinoids. Nucleic acid molecules encoding an TCMRP are referred to herein as TCMRP nucleic acid molecules. In a preferred embodiment, the TCMRP performs an enzymatic step related to the metabolism of one or more tocopherols and/or carotinoids. Examples of such proteins include those encoded by the genes set forth in the Appendix A and B and Table 1.

[0035] As biotic and abiotic stress tolerance is a general trait wished to be inherited into a wide variety of plants like maize, wheat, rye, oat, triticale, rice, barley, sorghum, potato, tomato, soyabean, bean, pea, peanut, cotton, rapeseed, canola, alfalfa, grape, fruit plants (apple, pear, pinapple), bushy plants (coffee, cacao, tea), trees (oil palm, coconut), legumes, perennial grasses, and forage crops. These crops plants are also preferred target plants for a genetic engineering as one further embodiment of the present invention. More preferably are corp plants and oil seed plants and most preferably are rape and soyabean.

[0036] The nucleic acid constructs according to the invention can be used for the generation of genetically modified organisms, hereinbelow also termed transgenic organisms.

[0037] Starting or host organisms are to be understood as meaning prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms such as, for example, microorganisms, mosses or plants. Preferred micororganisms are bacteria, yeasts, algae or fungi. In one preferred embodiment of the instant invention host organisms are plants.

[0038] Examples of preferred plants are Tagetes, sunflowers, Arabidopsis, tobacco, red pepper, soyabeans, tomatoes, aubergines, capsicums, carrots, potatoes, maize, saladings and cabbages, cereals, alfalfa, oats, barley, rye, wheat, Triticale, panic grasses, rice, luceme, flax, cotton, hemp, Brassicaceae such as, for example, oilseed rape or canola, sugar beet, sugar cane, nut and grapevine species or woody species such as, for example, aspen or yew. More preferably are crop plants or oil seed plants, most preferably are Arabidopsis thaliana, Tagetes erecta, Brassica napus, Nicotiana tabacum, canola or potatoes. Especially preferred are rape or soyabeans.

[0039] Genetically modified or transgenic organisms are to be understood as meaning the corresponding transformed starting organisms.

[0040] The invention relates to a genetically modified organism where the genetic modification of the gene expression of a nucleic acid according to the invention relative to a wild type is increased in the event that the starting organism comprises a nucleic acid according to the invention or caused in the event that the starting organism does not contain a nucleic acid according to the invention.

[0041] Transgenic organisms comprising at least one exogenous or at least one additional endogenous gene according to the invention which already in the form of the starting organisms possess the biosynthesis genes for the production of tocopherols such as, for example, plants or other photosynthetically active organisms such as, for example, cyanobacteria, mosses or algae exhibit an increased tocopherol content compared with the respective wild type or starting organism.

[0042] Accordingly, the invention furthermore relates to genetically modified organisms, wherein the genetically modified organism exhibits an increased tocopherol content relative to the wild type in the case where the starting organism is capable of producing tocopherols, or is capable of producing tocopherols in the case where the starting organism comprises the genes required for tocopherol biosynthesis.

[0043] The invention preferably relates to an above-described genetically modified organism which exhibits an increased tocopherols content over the wild type.

[0044] Used in a preferred embodiment as organisms and for the generation of organisms with an increased tocopherols content compared with the wild type are plants, not only as starting organisms but also, accordingly, as genetically modified organisms.

[0045] The present invention therefore also relates to processes for the production of tocopherols by growing a genetically modified organism according to the invention, preferably a genetically modified plant according to the invention, which exhibits an increased tocopherol content over the wild type, harvesting the organism and subsequently isolating the tocopherol compounds from the organism.

[0046] Genetically modified plants according to the invention with an increased tocopherol content which can be consumed by humans and animals can also be used as foodstuffs or feeds for example directly or after processing which is known per se.

[0047] The invention furthermore relates to a method for the generation of genetically modified organisms by introducing a nucleic acid according to the invention or a nucleic acid construct according to the invention into the genome of the starting organism.

[0048] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention pertains to isolated nucleic acid molecules (e.g., cDNAs) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an TCMRP or biologically active portions thereof, as well as nucleic acid fragments suitable as primers or hybridization probes for the detection or amplification of TCMRP-encoding nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or mRNA). In another embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule is at least 15 nucleotides in length and hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A. Preferably, the isolated nucleic acid molecule corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule. More preferably, the isolated nucleic acid encodes a naturally-occurring Physcomitrella patens TCMRP, or a biologically active portion thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises one of the nucleotide sequences set forth in Appendix A or the coding region or a complement thereof of one of these nucleotide sequences. In other particularly preferred embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to or is at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80% or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence set forth in Appendix A, or a portion thereof. In other preferred embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes one of the amino acid sequences set forth in Appendix B. The preferred TCMRP of the present invention also preferably possess at least one of the TCMRP activities described herein.

[0049] In another embodiment, the instant nucleic acid molecule is full length or nearly full length nucleic acid molecule with an homology of at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80% or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence set forth in Appendix A.

[0050] In another embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes a protein or portion thereof wherein the protein or portion thereof includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B, e.g., sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B such that the protein or portion thereof maintains an TCMRP activity. Preferably, the protein or portion thereof encoded by the nucleic acid molecule maintains the ability to perform an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolic pathway. In one embodiment, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, and more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90% and most preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% or more homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B (e.g., an entire amino acid sequence selected from those sequences set forth in Appendix B). In another preferred embodiment, the protein is a full length or nearly full length Physcomitrella patens protein is substantially homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B (encoded by an open reading frame shown in Appendix A). As used herein, a protein which has an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous to a selected amino acid sequence is least about 50% homologous to the selected amino acid sequence, e.g., the entire selected amino acid sequence. A protein which has an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous to a selected amino acid sequence can also be least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, and more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, or 90-95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to the selected amino acid sequence.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule is derived from Physcomitrella patens and encodes a protein (e.g., an TCMRP fusion protein) which includes a biologically active domain which is at least about 50% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Appendix B and is able to perform an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolic pathway or has one or more of the activities set forth in Table 1, and which also includes heterologous nucleic acid sequences encoding a heterologous polypeptide or regulatory regions.

[0052] Preferably, so-called conservative exchanges are carried out in which the amino acid which is replaced has a similar property as the original amino acid, for example the exchange of Glu by Asp, Gln by Asn, Val by Ile, Leu by Ile, and Ser by Thr. Deletion is the replacement of an amino acid by a direct bond. Preferred positions for deletions are the termini of the polypeptide and the linkages between the individual protein domains.

[0053] Insertions are introductions of amino acids into the polypeptide chain, a direct bond formally being replaced by one or more amino acids.

[0054] One embodiment of the invention pertains to TCMRP polypeptides, where by of one or more amino acids are substituted or exchanged by one or more amino acids.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention pertains to an TCMRP polypeptide whose amino acid sequence can be modulated with the help of art-known computer simulation programms resulting in an polypeptide with e.g. improved activity or altered regulation (molecular modelling). On the basis of this artificially generated polypeptide sequences, a corresponding nucleic acid molecule coding for such a modulated polypeptide can be synthesized in-vitro using the specific codon-usage of the desired host cell, e.g. of microorganisms, mosses, algae, ciliates, fungi or plants (back-translated nucleic acid sequences). In a preferred embodiment, even these artificial nucleic acid molecules coding for improved TCMRP proteins are within the scope of this invention.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention pertains to vectors, e.g., recombinant expression vectors, containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and host cells into which such vectors have been introduced, especially microorganims, plant cells, plant tissue, organs or whole plants. In one embodiment, such a host cell is a cell capable of storing fine chemical compounds in order to isolate the desired compound from harvested material. The compound or the TCMRP can then be isolated from the medium or the host cell, which in plants are cells containing and storing fine chemical compounds, most preferably cells of storage tissues like epidermal and seed cells.

[0057] Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to a genetically altered Physcomitrella patens plant in which an TCMRP gene has been introduced or altered. In one embodiment, the genome of the Physcomitrella patens plant has been altered by introduction of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention encoding wild-type or mutated TCMRP sequence as a transgene. In another embodiment, an endogenous TCMRP gene within the genome of the Physcomitrella patens plant has been altered, e.g., functionally disrupted, by homologous recombination with an altered TCMRP gene. In a preferred embodiment, the plant organism belongs to the genus Physcomitrella or Ceratodon, with Physcomitrella being particularly preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the Physcomitrella patens plant is also utilized for the production of a desired compound, such as tocopherols and/or carotinoids. Hence in another preferred embodiment, the moss Physcomitrella patens can be used to show the function of new, yet unidentified genes of mosses or plants using homologous recombination based on the nucleic acids described in this invention.

[0058] Still another aspect of the invention pertains to an isolated TCMRP or a portion, e.g., a biologically active portion, thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated TCMRP or portion thereof can catalyze an enzymatic reaction involved in one or more pathways for the metabolism of tocopherols and/or carotinoids. In another preferred embodiment, the isolated TCMRP or portion thereof is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to catalyze an enzymatic reaction involved in one or more pathways for the metabolism of tocopherols and/or carotinoids.

[0059] The invention also provides an isolated preparation of an TCMRP. In preferred embodiments, the TCMRP comprises an amino acid sequence of Appendix B. In another preferred embodiment, the invention pertains to an isolated full length protein which is substantially homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B (encoded by an open reading frame set forth in Appendix A). In yet another embodiment, the protein is at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, and more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and most preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B. In other embodiments, the isolated TCMRP comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least about 50% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Appendix B and is able to perform an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolic pathway in a microorganism or a plant cell or has one or more of the activities set forth in Table 1.

[0060] Alternatively, the isolated TCMRP can comprise an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, e.g., hybridizes under stringent conditions, or is at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98,%, or 99% or more homologous, to a nucleotide sequence of Appendix B. It is also preferred that the preferred forms of TCMRP also have one or more of the TCMRP activities described herein.

[0061] The TCMRP polypeptide, or a biologically active portion thereof, can be operatively linked to a non-TCMRP polypeptide to form a fusion protein. In preferred embodiments, this fusion protein has an activity which differs from that of the TCMRP alone. In other preferred embodiment, this fusion protein performs an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolic pathway. In particularly preferred embodiments, integration of this fusion protein into a host cell modulates production of a desired compound from the cell. Further, the instant invention pertains to an antibody specifically binding to an MP polypeptide mentioned before or to a portion thereof.

[0062] Another aspect of the invention pertains to a test kit comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding an TCMRP, a portion and/or a complement of this nucleid acid molecule used as probe or primer for identifying and/or cloning further nucleic acid molecules involved in the synthesis of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nucloetides and/or nucleosides or assisting in transmembrane transport in other cell types or organisms.

[0063] In another embodiment the test kit comprises an TCMRP-antibody for identifying and/or purifying further TCMRP molecules or fragments thereof in other cell types or organisms.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for producing a fine chemical. This method involves either the culturing of a suitable microorganism, algae or culturing plant cells tissues, organs or whole plants containing a vector directing the expression of an TCMRP nucleic acid molecule of the invention, such that a fine chemical is produced. In a preferred embodiment, this method further includes the step of obtaining a cell containing such a vector, in which a cell is transformed with a vector directing the expression of an TCMRP nucleic acid. In another preferred embodiment, this method further includes the step of recovering the fine chemical from the culture. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cell is from the genus Phaeodactylum, mosses, algae or plants.

[0065] Another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for producing a fine chemical which involves the culturing of a suitable host cell whose genomic DNA has been altered by the inclusion of an TCMRP nucleic acid molecule of the invention. Further, the invention pertains to a method for producing a fine chemical which involves the culturing of a suitable host cell whose membrane has been altered by the inclusion of an TCMRP of the invention.

[0066] Another aspect of the invention pertains to methods for modulating production of a molecule from a kostcell. Such methods include contacting the cell with an agent which modulates TCMRP activity or TCMRP nucleic acid expression such that a cell associated activity is altered relative to this same activity in the absence of the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the cell is modulated for one or more metabolic pathways for tocopherols and/or carotinoids such that the yields or rate of production of a desired fine chemical by this microorganism is improved. The agent which modulates TCMRP activity can be an agent which stimulates TCMRP activity or TCMRP nucleic acid expression. Examples of agents which stimulate TCMRP activity or TCMRP nucleic acid expression include small molecules, active TCMRPs, and nucleic acids encoding TCMRPs that have been introduced into the cell. Examples of agents which inhibit TCMRP activity or expression include small molecules and antisense TCMRP nucleic acid molecules.

[0067] Another aspect of the invention pertains to methods for modulating yields of a desired compound from a cell, involving the introduction of a wild-type or mutant TCMRP gene into a cell, either maintained on a separate plasmid or integrated into the genome of the host cell. If integrated into the genome, such integration can be random, or it can take place by recombination such that the native gene is replaced by the introduced copy, causing the production of the desired compound from the cell to be modulated or by using a gene in trans such as the gene is functionally linked to a functional expression unit containing at least a sequence facilitating the expression of a gene and a sequence facilitating the polyadenylation of a functionally transcribed gene.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, said yields are modified. In another preferred embodiment, said desired chemical is increased while unwanted disturbing compounds can be decreased. In a particularly preferred embodiment, said desired fine chemical is a tocopherols and/or carotinoids.

[0069] Another aspect of the invention pertains to the fine chemicals produced by a method described before and the use of the fine chemical or a polypeptide of the invention for the production of another fine chemical.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The present invention provides TCMRP nucleic acid and protein molecules which are involved in the metabolism of tocopherols and/or carotinoids in the moss Physcomitrella patens. The molecules of the invention may be utilized in the production or modulation of fine chemicals in microorganisms, algae and plants either directly (e.g., where overexpression or optimization of a vitamin biosynthesis protein has a direct impact on the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the vitamin from modified organims), or may have an indirect impact which nonetheless results in an increase of yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the desired compound or decrease of undesired compounds (e.g., where modulation of the metabolism of tocopherols and/or carotinoids results in alterations in the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production or the composition of desired compounds within the cells, which in turn may impact the production of one or more other fine chemicals).

[0071] Preferred mircroorganisms for the production or modulation of fine chemicals are for example Corynehacterium, Synechocystis spec., Synechococcus spec., Ashbya gossypii, Neurospora crassa, Aspergillus spec., Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Preferred algae for the production or modulation of fine chemicals are Chlorella spec., Crypthecodineum spec., Phylodactenum spec. Preferred plants for the production or modulation of fine chemicals are for example mayor crop plants for example maize, wheat, rye, oat, triticale, rice, barley, sorghum, potato, tomato, soybean, bean, pea, peanut, cotton, rapeseed, canola, alfalfa, grape, fruit plants (apple, pear, pinapple), bushy plants (coffee, cacao, tea), trees (oil palm, coconut), legumes, perennial grasses, and forage crops.

[0072] Particularly suited for the production or modulation of lipophilic fine chemicals such as tocopherols and/or carotinoids are oil seed plants containing high amounts of lipid compounds like rapeseed, canola, linseed, soybean and sunflower.

[0073] Aspects of the invention are further explicated below.

Fine Chemicals

[0074] The term ‘fine chemical’ is art-recognized and includes molecules produced by an organism which have applications in various industries, such as, but not limited to, the pharmaceutical, agriculture, and cosmetics industries. Such compounds include lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, cofactors and enzymes, both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, purine and pyrimidine bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides (as described e.g. in Kuninaka, A. (1996) Nucleotides and related compounds, p. 561-612, in Biotechnology vol. 6, Rehm et al., eds. VCH: Weinheim, and references contained therein), lipids, both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., arachidonic acid), diols (e.g., propane diol, and butane diol), carbohydrates (e.g., hyaluronic acid and trehalose), aromatic compounds (e.g., aromatic amines, vanillin, and indigo), vitamins and cofactors (as described in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A27, Vitamins, p. 443-613 (1996) VCH: Weinheim and references therein; and Ong, A. S., Niki, E. & Packer, L. (1995) Nutrition, Lipids, Health, and Disease” Proceedings of the UNESCO/Confederation of Scientific and Technological Associations in Malaysia, and the Society for Free Radical Research, Asia, held Sept. 1-3, 1994 at Penang, Malaysia, AOCS Press, (1995)), enzymes, and all other chemicals described in Gutcho (1983) Chemicals by Fermentation, Noyes Data Corporation, ISBN: 0818805086 and references therein. The metabolism and uses of certain of these fine chemicals are further explicated below.

Tocopherol and Carotenoid Metabolism and Uses

[0075] Vitamins, cofactors, and nutraceuticals comprise another group of fine chemical molecules which higher animals have lost the ability to synthesize and so must ingest. These molecules are readily synthesized by other organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae and plants. These molecules are either bioactive substances themselves, or are precursors of biologically active substances which may serve as electron carriers or intermediates in a variety of metabolic pathways. Besides their nutritive value, these compounds also have significant industrial value as coloring agents, antioxidants, and catalysts or other processing aids. (For an overview of the structure, activity, and industrial applications of these compounds, see, for example, Ullman's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, “Vitamins” vol. A27, p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim, 1996.) The term “vitamin” is art-recognized, and includes nutrients which are required by an organism for normal functioning, but which that organism cannot synthesize by itself. One preferred embodiment of the instant invention pertains to vitamin E compounds (tocopherols) and their production in plants. The group of vitamins may encompass cofactors and nutraceutical compounds. The language “cofactor” includes nonproteinaceous compounds required for a normal enzymatic activity to occur. Such compounds may be organic or inorganic; the cofactor molecules of the invention are preferably organic. The term “nutraceutical” includes dietary supplements having health benefits in plants and animals, particularly humans. Examples of such molecules are vitamins, antioxidants, and also certain lipids (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids).

[0076] The biosynthesis of these molecules in organisms capable of producing them, such as bacteria and plants, has been largely characterized (Friedrich, W. “Handbuch der Vitamine”, Urban und Schwarzenberg, 1987; Ullman's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, “Vitamins” vol. A27, p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim, 1996; Michal, G. (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons; Ong, A. S., Niki, E. & Packer, L. (1995) “Nutrition, Lipids, Health, and Disease” Proceedings of the UNESCO/Confederation of Scientific and Technological Associations in Malaysia, and the Society for Free Radical Research—Asia, held Sept. 1-3, 1994 at Penang, Malaysia, AOCS Press: Champaign, Ill. X, 374 S).

[0077] The metabolism and uses of certain of these vitamins are further explicated below.

[0078] Tocopherols (Vitamin E):

[0079] The fat-soluble vitamin E has received great attention for its essential role as an antioxidant in nutritional and clinical applications (Liebler DC 1993. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 23(2):147-169) thus representing a good area for food design, feed applications and pharmaceutical applications. In addition, benefitial effects are encountered in retarding diabetes-related high-age damages, anticancerogenic effects as well as a protective role against erythreme and skin aging. Alpha-tocopherol as the most important antioxidans helps to prevent the oxidation of unsatturated fatty acids by oxygen in humans by its redox potential (Erin A N, Skrypin V V, Kragan V E 1985, Biochim. Biophy. Acta 815: 209).

[0080] The demand for this vitamin has increased year after year. The supply of tocopherols has been limited to the chemically synthesized racemate of alpha-tocopherol or a mixture of alpha-, beta(gamma)- and delta-tocopherols from vegetable oils. Altogether, the group of compounds with vitamin E activity now comprises alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol as well as alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol.

[0081] Biologically, tocopherols are indispensable components of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. A reduction of availability of tocopheroles leads to structural and functional damaging of membranes. This stabilizing effect of the tocopherols on membranes is accepted to be related to three functions: 1) tocopherols react with lipid peroxide radicals, 2) quenching of reactive molecular oxygen, and 3) reducing the molecular mobility of the membrane bilayer by the formation of tocopherol-fatty acids complexes.

[0082] In addition to the occurrence of tocopherols in plants, their presence has been determined in various microorganisms, especially in many chlorophyll-containing organisms (Taketomi H, Soda K, Katsui G 1983, Vitamins (Japan) 57: 133-138). Algae, for example Euglenia gracilis, also contain tocopherols and Euglenia gracilis is described as a suitable host for the production of tocopherols since the most valuable form alpha-tocopherol is the major component of tocopherols (Shigeoka S, Onishi T, Nakano Y, Kitaoka S 1986, Agric. Biol. Chem. 50: 1063-1065). Also, yeasts and bacteria were found to synthesize tocopherols (Forbes M, Zilliken F, Roberts G, György P 1958, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80: 385-389; Hughes and Tove 1982, J Bacteriol., 151: 1397-1402; Ruggeri B A, Gray R J H, Watkins T R, Tomlins R I 1985, Appl. Env. Microbiol. 50:1404-1408).

[0083] Tocopherol is synthesized from geranylgeranylpyrophosphate which is generated from isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP). IPP can be produced via two independent pathways. One pathway is located in the cytoplasm, whereas the other is located in the chloroplasts (for descriptions and reviews see Trelfall D R, Whistance G R in Aspects of Terpenoid Chemistry and Biochemistry, Goodwin T W Ed., Academic Press, London, 1971: 357-404; Michal G Ed. 1999, Biochemical Pathways, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag GmbH Heidelberg, and references cited therein; McCaskill D, Croteau R 1998, Tibtech 16: 349-355 and references cited therein; Rhomer M 1998, Progress in Drug Research 50: 135-154; Lichtenthaler H K 19998, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 50: 47-65; Lichtenthaler H K, Schwender J, Disch A, Rhomer M 1997, FEBS Letters 400: 271-274; Schultz G, Soll J 1980 Deutsche Tierärzliche Wochenschrift 87: 401-424; Arigoni D, Sagner S, Latzel C, Eisenreich W, Bacher A, Zenk, M H 1997 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94(2): 10600-10605). For a general review of isoprene biosynthesis and products derived from that pathway (Chappell 1995, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 46:521-547; Sharkey T D, 1996, Endeavor 20: 74-78).

[0084] The cyclic structures which are required for tocopherol biosynthesis are quinones. Quinones are synthesized from products of the shikimate pathway (for review see Dewick P M 1995, Natural Products Reports 12(6): 579-607; Weaver L M, Herrmann K M 1997, Trends in Plant Science 2(9): 346-351; Schmid J, Amrhein N 1995, Phytochemistry 39(4): 737-749).

[0085] Plant genes originating from Physcomitrella patens can be used to modify tocopherol metabolism in plants as well as algae and microorganisms enabling these host cells to increase their capacity to produce tocopherols as well as improving survival and fitness of the host cell. Thereby, one or several genes, alone or in combination, preferably of the genes encoding the γ-tocopherol-methyltransferase (gamma-TMT type I), 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol methyltransferase (garnma-TMT type II) or 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, can be used to modify the tocopherol metabolism.

[0086] Carotenoids:

[0087] Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments synthesized as hydrocarbons (carotenes) and their oxygenated derivatives (xantophylls) are produced by plants and microorganisms. The application potential was broadly investigated during the last 20 years. Besides the use of carotenoids as coloring agents, it is assumed that carotenoids play an important role in the prevention of cancer (Rice-Evans et al. 1997, Free Radic. Res. 26:381-398; Gerster 1993, Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. 63:93-121; Bendich 1993, Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 691:61-67) thus representing a good area for food design, feed applications and pharmaceutical applications.

[0088] The major function of carotenoids in plants and microoganisms is in protection against oxidative damage by quenching photosensensitizers interacting with singlet oxygen and scavenging peroxiradicals, thus preventing the accumulation of harmful oxygen species and subsequent maintainance of membrane integrity (Havaux 1998, Trends in Plant Science Vol 3 (4):147-151; Krinsky 1994, Pur Appl. Chem. 66:1003-1010). Thus an application is also given for the optimization of fermentation processes with respect to lesser susceptibility to oxidative damage. For a review of biotechnological potential see Sandmann et al. (1999, Tibtech 17; 233-237).

[0089] Plant genes originating from Physcomitrella patens can be used to modify carotenoid metabolism in plants as well as algae and microorganisms enabling these host cells to increase their capacity to produce carotenoids and to produce newly designed carotenoids as well as improving survival and fitness of the host cell due to the expression of plant acrotenoid biosynthetic genes.

[0090] Due to results obtained in labelling experiments it is clear that carotenes arise from the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway via geranylgeranylpyrophosphate synthesis. For review of products of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway including carotenoids see Chappell 1995, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 46:521-547. The biosynthesis of carotenoids in microorganims and plants is described in following articles and references therein: Armstrong 1997, Annu. Rev. Microbiol., 51:629-659; Sandmannn 1994, Eur. J. Biochem. 223:7-24; Misawa et al. 1995, J. Bacteriol. 177 (22):6575-6584; -Hirschberg et al. 1997, Pure & Appl. Chem 69 (10):2151-2158; Lotan & Hirschberg 1995, FEBS Letters 364:125-128; U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,791).

[0091] The large-scale production of the fine chemical compounds described above has largely relied on cell-free chemical syntheses. Production through large scale fermentation of microorganism has not yet proven to be useful, due to unsufficient efficience and high costs. Allthough not yet applicable for large scale production it has been shown that production of fine chemicals can be enhanced in genetically modified plants as exemplified for phytoene in rice (Burkhardt et al. Plant Journal 11(5):1071-8, 1997) and vitamin E in Arabidopsis thaliana and other plants (Shintani and DellaPenna. Science 282(5396):2098-100, 1998; W099/23231). Increased amounts of such compounds in plants are especially appreciable because the plants can be directly applied for food and feed purposes.

Elements and Methods of the Invention

[0092] The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery of novel molecules, referred to herein as TCMRP nucleic acid and protein molecules, which play a role in or function in one or more cellular metabolic pathways in Physcomitrella patens. In one embodiment, the TCMRP molecules catalyze an enzymatic reaction involving one or more tocopherol and/or carotinoid metabolic pathways. In a preferred embodiment, the activity of the TCMRP molecules of the present invention in one or more Physcomitrella patens metabolic pathways for tocopherols and carotenoids has an impact on the production of a desired fine chemical by this organism. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the TCMRPs encoded by TCMRP nucleotides of the invention are modulated in activity, such that the mircroorganisms' or plants' metabolic pathways which the TCMRPs of the invention regulate are modulated in yield, production, and/or efficiency of production and/or transport of a desired fine chemical by microorganisms and plants.

[0093] The language, TCMRP or TCMRP polypeptide includes proteins which play a role in, e.g., catalyze an enzymatic reaction, in one or more tocopherol and carotenoid metabolic pathways in microorganisms and plants. Examples of TCMRPs include those encoded by the TCMRP genes set forth in Table 1 and Appendix A. The terms TCMRP gene or TCMRP nucleic acid sequence include nucleic acid sequences encoding an TCMRP, which consist of a coding region or a part thereof and/or also corresponding untranslated 5′ and 3′ sequence regions. Examples of TCMRP genes include those set forth in Table 1. The terms production or productivity are art-recognized and include the concentration of the fermentation product (for example, the desired fine chemical) formed within a given time and a given fermentation volume (e.g., kg product per hour per liter). The term efficiency of production includes the time required for a particular level of production to be achieved (for example, how long it takes for the cell to attain a particular rate of output of a fine chemical). The term yield or product/carbon yield is art-recognized and includes the efficiency of the conversion of the carbon source into the product (i.e., fine chemical). This is generally written as, for example, kg product per kg carbon source. By increasing the yield or production of the compound, the quantity of recovered molecules, or of useful recovered molecules of that compound in a given amount of culture over a given amount of time is increased. The terms biosynthesis or a biosynthetic pathway are art-recognized and include the synthesis of a compound, preferably an organic compound, by a cell from intermediate compounds in what may be a multistep and highly regulated process. The terms degradation or a degradation pathway are art-recognized and include the breakdown of a compound, preferably an organic compound, by a cell to degradation products (generally speaking, smaller or less complex molecules) in what may be a multistep and highly regulated process. The language metabolism is art-recognized and includes the totality of the biochemical reactions that take place in an organism. The metabolism of a particular compound, then, (e.g., the metabolism of a fatty acid) comprises the overall biosynthetic, modification, and degradation pathways in the cell related to this compound.

[0094] In another embodiment, the TCMRP molecules of the invention are capable of modulating the production of a desired molecule, such as a fine chemical, in microorganisms and plants. There are a number of mechanisms by which the alteration of an TCMRP of the invention may directly affect the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a fine chemical from a microorganisms or plant strain incorporating such an altered protein. Those TCMRPs involved in the transport of fine chemical molecules within or from the cell may be increased in number or activity such that greater quantities of these compounds are transported across membranes. Similarly, those TCMRPs involved in the import of nutrients necessary for the biosynthesis of one or more fine chemicals may be increased in number or activity such that these precursor, cofactor, or intermediate compounds are increased in concentration within a desired cell. Further TCMRPs may be increased in number or activity which lead to a regeneration of a pool of fine chemicals in a desired state. The mutagenesis of one or more TCMRP genes of the invention may also result in TCMRPs having altered activities which indirectly impact the production of one or more desired fine chemicals from microorganisms, algae and plants. For example, a biosynthetic enzyme may be improved in efficiency, or its allosteric control region destroyed such that feedback inhibition of production of the compound is prevented. Similarly, a degradative enzyme may be deleted or modified by substitution, deletion, or addition such that its degradative activity is lessened for the desired compound without impairing the viability of the cell. In each case, the overall yield or rate of production of one of these desired fine chemicals may be increased.

[0095] It is also possible that such alterations in the protein and nucleotide molecules of the invention may improve the production of other fine chemicals besides the tocopherols and carotenoids. Metabolism of any one compound is necessarily intertwined with other biosynthetic and degradative pathways within the cell, and necessary cofactors, intermediates, or substrates in one pathway are likely supplied or limited by another such pathway. Therefore, by modulating the activity of one or more of the proteins of the invention, the production or efficiency of activity of another fine chemical biosynthetic or degradative pathway may be impacted. For example, amino acids serve as the structural units of all proteins, yet may be present intracellularly in levels which are limiting for protein synthesis; therefore, by increasing the efficiency of production or the yields of one or more amino acids within the cell, proteins, such as biosynthetic or degradative proteins, may be more readily synthesized. Likewise, an alteration in a metabolic pathway enzyme such that a particular side reaction becomes more or less favored may result in the over- or under-production of one or more compounds which are utilized as intermediates or substrates for the production of a desired fine chemical.

[0096] TCMRPs of the invention involved in the export of waste products may be increased in number or activity such that the normal metabolic wastes of the cell (possibly increased in quantity due to the overproduction of the desired fine chemical) are efficiently exported before they are able to damage nucleotides and proteins within the cell (which would decrease the viability of the cell) or to interfere with fine chemical biosynthetic pathways (which would decrease the yield, production, or efficiency of production of the desired fine chemical). Further, the relatively large intracellular quantities of the desired fine chemical may in itself be toxic to the cell, so by increasing the activity or number of transporters able to export this compound from the cell, one may increase the viability of the cell in culture, in turn leading to a greater number of cells in the culture producing the desired fine chemical.

[0097] The TCMRPs of the invention may also be manipulated such that the relative amounts of different tocopherols and carotenoids are produced. The isolated nucleic acid sequences of the invention are contained within the genome of a Physcomitrella patens strain available through the moss collection of the University of Hamburg. The nucleotide sequence of the isolated Physcomitrella patens TCMRP cDNAs and the predicted amino acid sequences of the respective Physcomitrella patens TCMRPs are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

[0098] Computational analyses were performed which classified and/or identified these nucleotide sequences as sequences which encode proteins involved in the metabolism of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotide or nucleosides.

[0099] The present invention also pertains to proteins which have an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B. As used herein, a protein which has an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous to a selected amino acid sequence is least about 50% homologous to the selected amino acid sequence, e.g., the entire selected amino acid sequence. A protein which has an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous to a selected amino acid sequence can also be least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, and more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, or 90-95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to the selected amino acid sequence.

[0100] The TCMRP or a biologically active portion or fragment thereof of the invention can catalyze an enzymatic reaction in one or more tocopherol and carotenoid metabolic pathways in plants and microorganisms, or have one or more of the activities set forth in Table 1. Various aspects of the invention are described in further detail in the following subsections:

A. Isolated Nucleic Acid Molecules

[0101] One aspect of the invention pertains to isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode TCMRP polypeptides or biologically active portions thereof, as well as nucleic acid fragments sufficient for use as hybridization probes or primers for the identification or amplification of TCMRP-encoding nucleic acid (e.g., TCMRP DNA). As used herein, the term “nucleic acid molecule” is intended to include DNA molecules (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) and RNA molecules (e.g., mRNA) and analogs of the DNA or RNA generated using nucleotide analogs. This term also encompasses untranslated sequence located at both the 3′ and 5′ ends of the coding region of the gene: at least about 100 nucleotides of sequence upstream from the 5′ end of the coding region and at least about 20 nucleotides of sequence downstream from the 3′ end of the coding region of the gene. The nucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is double-stranded DNA. An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is one which is separated from other nucleic acid molecules which are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid. Preferably, an “isolated” nucleic acid is free of sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid (i.e., sequences located at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the nucleic acid) in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived. For example, in various embodiments, the isolated TCMRP nucleic acid molecule can contain less than about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb of nucleotide sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid is derived (e.g, a Physcomitrella patens cell). Moreover, an “isolated” nucleic acid molecule, such as a cDNA molecule, can be substantially free of other cellular material, or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.

[0102] A nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, e.g., a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A, or a portion thereof, can be isolated using standard molecular biology techniques and the sequence information provided herein. For example, a P. patens TCMRP cDNA can be isolated from a P. patens library using all or portion of one of the sequences of Appendix A as a hybridization probe and standard hybridization techniques (e.g., as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989). Moreover, a nucleic acid molecule encompassing all or a portion of one of the sequences of Appendix A can be isolated by the polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers designed based upon this sequence (e.g., a nucleic acid molecule encompassing all or a portion of one of the sequences of Appendix A can be isolated by the polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers designed based upon this same sequence of Appendix A). For example, MRNA can be isolated from plant cells (e.g., by the guanidinium-thiocyanate extraction procedure of Chirgwin et al. (1979) Biochemistry 18: 5294-5299) and cDNA can be prepared using reverse transcriptase (e.g., Moloney MLV reverse transcriptase, available from Gibco/BRL, Bethesda, Md.; or AMV reverse transcriptase, available from Seikagaku America, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.). Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for polymerase chain reaction amplification can be designed based upon one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A. A nucleic acid of the invention can be amplified using cDNA or, alternatively, genomic DNA, as a template and appropriate oligonucleotide primers according to standard PCR amplification techniques. The nucleic acid so amplified can be cloned into an appropriate vector and characterized by DNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, oligonucleotides corresponding to an TCMRP nucleotide sequence can be prepared by standard synthetic techniques, e.g., using an automated DNA synthesizer.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A. The sequences of Appendix A correspond to the Physcomitrella patens TCMRP cDNAs of the invention. This cDNA comprises sequences encoding TCMRPs (i.e., the “coding region”, indicated in each sequence in Appendix A), as well as 5′ untranslated sequences and 3′ untranslated sequences. Alternatively, the nucleic acid molecule can comprise only the coding region of any of the sequences in Appendix A or can contain whole genomic fragments isolated from genomic DNA. In another embodiment, the sequences of Appendix A can have corresponding longest nucleic acid molecules, e.g. full length or nearly full length nucleic acid molecules encoding a TCMRP. The corresponding clone name is given in Table 1.

[0104] For the purposes of this application, it will be understood that each of the sequences set forth in Appendix A has an identifying entry number. Each of these sequences comprises up to three parts: a 5′ upstream region, a coding region, and a downstream region. Each of these three regions is identified by the same entry number designation to eliminate confusion. The recitation one of the sequences in Appendix A, then, refers to any of the sequences in Appendix A, which may be distinguished by their differing entry number designations. The coding region of each of these sequences is translated into a corresponding amino acid sequence, which is set forth in Appendix B. The sequences of Appendix B are identified by the same entry numbers designations as Appendix A, such that they can be readily correlated. For example, the amino acid sequence in Appendix B designated 41_bd10_g03rev is a translation of the coding region of the nucleotide sequence of nucleic acid molecule 41_bd10_g03rev in Appendix A, and the amino acid sequence in Appendix B designated 68_ck12_d10fwd is a translation of the coding region of the nucleotide sequence of nucleic acid molecule 68_ck12_d10fwd in Appendix A.

[0105] In another preferred embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A, or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A such that it can hybridize to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A, thereby forming a stable duplex.

[0106] In still another preferred embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, or 90-95%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in Appendix A, or a portion thereof. In an additional preferred embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, e.g., hybridizes under stringent conditions, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A, or a portion thereof.

[0107] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences in Appendix A, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of an TCMRP. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the TCMRP genes from P. patens allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning TCMRPhomologues in other cell types and organisms, as well as TCMRP homologues from other mosses or related species. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, preferably about 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth in Appendix A, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences set forth in Appendix A, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A can be used in PCR reactions to clone TCMRP homologues. Probes based on the TCMRP nucleotide sequences can be used to detect transcripts or genomic sequences encoding the same or homologous proteins. In preferred embodiments, the probe further comprises a label group attached thereto, e.g. the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme cofactor. Such probes can be used as a part of a genomic marker test kit for identifying cells which misexpress an TCMRP, such as by measuring a level of an TCMRP-encoding nucleic acid in a sample of cells, e.g., detecting TCMRP mRNA levels or determining whether a genomic TCMRPgene has been mutated or deleted.

[0108] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a protein or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to catalyze an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol or carotenoid metabolic pathway in microorganisms or plants. As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of Appendix B) amino acid residues to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B such that the protein or portion thereof is able to catalyze an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol or carotenoid metabolic pathway in microorganisms or plants. Protein members of such metabolic pathways, as described herein, function to catalyze the biosynthesis or degradation or stabilisation of one or more tocopherols or carotenoids. Examples of such activities are also described herein. Thus, the function of an TCMRP” contributes either directly or indirectly to the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of one or more fine chemicals. Examples of TCMRP activities are set forth in Table 1.

[0109] In another embodiment, the protein is at least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, and more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, 90-95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B.

[0110] Portions of proteins encoded by the TCMRP nucleic acid molecules of the invention are preferably biologically active portions of one of the TCMRP. As used herein, the term “biologically active portion of an TCMRP” is intended to include a portion, e.g., a domain/motif, of an TCMRP that participates in the metabolism of fine chemicals like amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotides, or nucleosides in microorganisms or plants or has an activity as set forth in Table 1. To determine whether an TCMRP or a biologically active portion thereof can participate in the metabolism of fine chemicals like amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotides, or nucleosides in microorganisms or plants, an assay of enzymatic activity may be performed. Such assay methods are well known to those skilled in the art, as detailed in Example 17 of the Exemplification.

[0111] Additional nucleic acid fragments encoding biologically active portions of an TCMRP can be prepared by isolating a portion of one of the sequences in Appendix B, expressing the encoded portion of the TCMRP or peptide (e.g., by recombinant expression in vitro) and assessing the activity of the encoded portion of the TCMRP or peptide.

[0112] The invention further encompasses nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode the same TCMRP as that encoded by the nucleotide sequences shown in Appendix A. In another embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention has a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence shown in Appendix B. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length Physcomitrella patens protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B (encoded by an open reading frame shown in Appendix A).

[0113] In addition to the Physcomitrella patens TCMRP nucleo tide sequences shown in Appendix A, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that DNA sequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequences of TCMRPs may exist within a population (e.g., the Physcomitrella patens population). Such genetic polymorphism in the TCMRP gene may exist among individuals within a population due to natural variation. As used herein, the terms “gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame encoding an TCMRP, preferably a Physcomitrella patens TCMRP. Such natural variations can typically result in 1-5% variance in the nucleotide sequence of the TCMRP gene. Any and all such nucleotide variations and resulting amino acid polymorphisms in TCMRPsthat are the result of natural variation and that do not alter the functional activity of TCMRPs are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0114] Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural variants and non-Physcomitrella patens homologues of the Physcomitrella patens TCMRP cDNA of the invention can be isolated based on their homology to Physcomitrella patens TCMRP nucleic acid disclosed herein using the Physcomitrella patens cDNA, or a portion thereof, as a hybridization probe according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions. Accordingly, in another embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15 nucleotides in length and hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid is at least 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length. As used herein, the term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is intended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotide sequences at least 60% homologous to each other typically remain hybridized to each other. Preferably, the conditions are such that sequences at least about 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, and even more preferably at least about 75% or more homologous to each other typically remain hybridized to each other. Such stringent conditions are known to those skilled in the art and can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6. A preferred, non-limiting example of stringent hybridization conditions are hybridization in 6×sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C., followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50-65° C. Preferably, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence of Appendix A corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). In one embodiment, the nucleic acid encodes a natural Physcomitrella patens TCMRP.

[0115] In addition to naturally-occurring variants of the TCMRPsequence that may exist in the population, the skilled artisan will further appreciate that changes can be introduced by mutation into a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A, thereby leading to changes in the amino acid sequence of the encoded TCMRP, without altering the functional ability of the TCMRP. For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of Appendix A. A “non-essential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequence of one of the TCMRP proteins (Appendix B) without altering the activity of said TCMRP, whereas an “essential” amino acid residue is required for TCMRP activity. Other amino acid residues, however, (e.g., those that are not conserved or only semi-conserved in the domain having TCMRP activity) may not be essential for activity and thus are likely to be amenable to alteration without altering TCMRP activity.

[0116] Accordingly, another aspect of the invention pertains to nucleic acid molecules encoding TCMRPs that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for TCMRP activity. Such TCMRPs differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in Appendix B yet retain at least one of the TCMRP activities described herein. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein, wherein the protein comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B and is able to catalyze an enzymatic reaction in a tocopherol or carotenoid metabolic pathway in P. patens, or has one or more activities set forth in Table 1. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 50-60% homologous to one of the sequences in Appendix B, more preferably at least about 60-70% homologous to one of the sequences in Appendix B, even more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, 90-95% homologous to one of the sequences in Appendix B, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% homologous to one of the sequences in Appendix B.

[0117] To determine the percent homology of two amino acid sequences (e.g., one of the sequences of Appendix B and a mutant form thereof) or of two nucleic acids, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in the sequence of one protein or nucleic acid for optimal alignment with the other protein or nucleic acid). The amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared. When a position in one sequence (e.g., one of the sequences of Appendix B) is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as the corresponding position in the other sequence (e.g., a mutant form of the sequence selected from Appendix B), then the molecules are homologous at that position (i.e., as used herein amino acid or nucleic acid “homology” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid “identity”). The percent homology between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences (i.e., % homology=numbers of identical positions/total numbers of positions×100).

[0118] An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an TCMRP homologous to a protein sequence of Appendix B can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into one of the sequences of Appendix A by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Preferably, conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Thus, a predicted nonessential amino acid residue in an TCMRP is preferably replaced with another amino acid residue from the same side chain family. Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of an TCMRP coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for an TCMRP activity described herein to identify mutants that retain TCMRP activity. Following mutagenesis of one of the sequences of Appendix A, the encoded protein can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can be determined using, for example, assays described herein (see Example 17 of the Exemplification).

[0119] In addition to the nucleic acid molecules encoding TCMRPs described above, another aspect of the invention pertains to isolated nucleic acid molecules which are antisense thereto. An “antisense” nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a “sense” nucleic acid encoding a protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an mRNA sequence. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid can hydrogen bond to a sense nucleic acid. The antisense nucleic acid can be complementary to an entire TCMRP cDNA coding strand, or to only a portion thereof. In one embodiment, an antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “coding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding an TCMRP. The term “coding region” refers to the region of the nucleotide sequence comprising codons which are translated into amino acid residues. In another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “noncoding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding TCMRPs. The term “noncoding region” refers to 5′ and 3′ sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated into amino acids (i.e., also referred to as 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions).

[0120] Given the coding strand sequences encoding TCMRPs disclosed herein (e.g., the sequences set forth in Appendix A), antisense nucleic acids of the invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick base pairing. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to the entire coding region of TCMRP cDNA, but more preferably is an oligonucleotide which is antisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of TCMRP mRNA. For example, the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of TCMRP MRNA. An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 nucleotides in length. An antisense nucleic acid of the invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art. For example, an antisense nucleic acid (e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide) can be chemically synthesized using naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of the molecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleic acids, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used. Examples of modified nucleotides which can be used to generate the antisense nucleic acid include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, -7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, and 2,6-diaminopurine. Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleic acid has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid will be of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid of interest, described further in the following subsection).

[0121] The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typically administered to a cell or generated in situ such that they hybridize with or bind to cellular MRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding an TCMRP to thereby inhibit expression of the protein, e.g., by inhibiting transcription and/or translation. The hybridization can be by conventional nucleotide complementarity to form a stable duplex, or, for example, in the case of an antisense nucleic acid molecule which binds to DNA duplexes, through specific interactions in the major groove of the double helix. The antisense molecule can be modified such that it specifically binds to a receptor or an antigen expressed on a selected cell surface, e.g., by linking the antisense nucleic acid molecule to a peptide or an antibody which binds to a cell surface receptor or antigen. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also be delivered to cells using the vectors described herein. To achieve sufficient intracellular concentrations of the antisense molecules, vector constructs in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed under the control of a strong prokaryotic, viral, or eukaryotic including plant promoters are preferred.

[0122] In yet another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention is an α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule. An α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule forms specific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which, contrary to the usual β-units, the strands run parallel to each other (Gaultier et al. (1987)Nucleic Acids. Res. 15:6625-6641). The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also comprise a 2′-o-methylribonucleotide (Inoue et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15:6131-6148) or a chimeric RNA-DNA analogue (Inoue et al. (1987) FEBS Lett. 215:327-330).

[0123] In still another embodiment, an antisense nucleic acid of the invention is a ribozyme. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonuclease activity which are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid, such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region. Thus, ribozymes (e.g., hammerhead ribozymes (described in Haselhoff and Gerlach (1988) Nature 334:585-591)) can be used to catalytically cleave TCMRP mRNA transcripts to thereby inhibit translation of TCMRP mRNA. A ribozyme having specificity for an TCMRP-encoding nucleic acid can be designed based upon the nucleotide sequence of an TCMRP cDNA disclosed herein. For example, a derivative of a Tetrahymena L-19 IVS RNA can be constructed in which the nucleotide sequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequence to be cleaved in an TCMRP -encoding mRNA. See, e.g., Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071 and Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742. Alternatively, TCMRP mRNA can be used to select a catalytic RNA having a specific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g., Bartel, D. and Szostak, J. W. (1993) Science 261:1411-1418.

[0124] Alternatively, TCMRP gene expression can be inhibited by targeting nucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of an TCMRP nucleotide sequence (e.g., an TCMRP promoter and/or enhancers) to form triple helical structures that prevent transcription of an TCMRP gene in target cells. See generally, Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6(6):569-84; Helene, C. et al. (1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36; and Maher, L. J. (1992) Bioassays 14(12):807-15.

B. Recombinant Expression Vectors and Host Cells

[0125] Another aspect of the invention pertains to vectors, preferably expression vectors, containing a nucleic acid encoding an TCMRP (or a portion thereof). As used herein, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked. One type of vector is a “plasmid”, which refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated. Another type of vector is a viral vector, wherein additional DNA segments can be ligated into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) are integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors”. In general, expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids. In the present specification, “plasmid” and “vector” can be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector. However, the invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses), which serve equivalent functions.

[0126] The recombinant expression vectors of the invention comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, which is operatively linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.

[0127] Suitable vectors for plants are described, inter alia, in “Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology” (CRC Press), chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993).

[0128] Within a recombinant expression vector, “operably linked” is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory sequence(s) in a manner which allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence are fused to each other so that both sequences fulfil the proposed function addicted to the sequence used. (e.g., in an in vitro transcription/ translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell). The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to include promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals). Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel; Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) or in Gruber and Crosby, in: Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnolgy, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., eds.: Glick and Thompson, Chapter 7, 89-108 including the references therein.

[0129] Other advantageous regulatory sequences are present in, for example, the Gram-positive promoters amy and SPO2, in the yeast or fungal promoters ADC1, MFa, AC, P-60, CYC1, GAPDH, TEF, rp28, ADH or in the plant promoters CaMV/35S [Franck et al., Cell 21(1980) 285-294], PRP1 [Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993)], SSU, OCS, leb4, usp, STLS1, B33, nos or in the ubiquitin or phaseolin promoters.

[0130] As regards plants as genetically modified organisms, any promoter capable of governing the expression of foreign genes in plants is suitable in principle as promoter of the expression cassette.

[0131] Preferably, it is in particular a plant promoter or a promoter derived from a plant virus which is used. Particularly preferred is the cauliflower mosaic virus CaMV 35S promoter (Franck et al., Cell 21 (1980), 285-294). As is known, this promoter comprises various recognition sequences for transcriptional effectors which, in totality, lead to permanent and constitutive expression of the gene which has been inserted (Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 2195-2202).

[0132] The expression cassette can also comprise a pathogen-inducible or chemically inducible promoter by means of which expression of the exogenous TCMRP genes in the plant can be governed at a particular point in time.

[0133] Examples of such promoters which can be used are, for example, the PRP1 promoter (Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993), 361-366), a salicylic-acid-inducible promoter (WO95/19443), a benzenesulfonamide-inducible promoter (EP-A 388186), a tetracyclin-inducible promoter (Gatz et al., (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404), an abscisic-acid-inducible promoter (EP-A 335528) or an ethanol- or cyclohexanone-inducible promoter (WO 93/21334).

[0134] Furthermore, preferred promoters are in particular those which ensure expression in tissues or plant organs in which, for example, the biosynthesis of tocopherol or its precursors takes place or in which the products are advantageously accumulated.

[0135] Promoters which must be mentioned in particular are those for the entire plant owing to constitutive expression, such as, for example, the CaMV promoter, the Agrobacterium OCS promoter (octopine synthase), the Agrobacterium NOS promoter (nopaline synthase), the ubiquitin promoter, promoters of vacuolar ATPase subunits, or the promoter of a proline-rich protein from wheat (wheat WO 9113991).

[0136] Furthermore, promoters which must be mentioned in particular are those which ensure leaf-specific expression. Promoters which must be mentioned are the potato cytosolic FBPase promoter (WO9705900), the Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase) SSU (small subunit) promoter or the potato ST-LSI promoter (Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 2445-245).

Examples of Further Suitable Promoters Are

[0137] specific promoters for tubers, storage roots or roots such as, for example, the patatin promoter class I (B33), the potato cathepsin D inhibitor promoter, the starch synthase (GBSS1) promoter or the sporamin promoter, fruit-specific promoters such as, for example, the tomato fruit-specific promoter (EP 409625), fruit-maturation-specific promoters such as, for example, the tomato fruit-maturation-specific promoter (WO 9421794), flower-specific promoters such as, for example, the phytoene synthase promoter (WO 9216635) or the promoter of the P-rr gene (WO 9822593) or specific plastid or chromoplast promoters such as, for example, the RNA polymerase promoter (WO 9706250).

[0138] Other promoters which can advantageously be used are the Glycine max phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase promoter (see also Genbank Accession Number U87999) or another nodia-specific promoter as described in EP 249676.

[0139] In principle, all natural promoters together with their regulatory sequences like those mentioned above can be used for the process according to the invention. In addition, synthetic promoters can also be used advantageously.

[0140] Further, a seed-specific promoter (preferably the phaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the USP promoter (Baumlein, H. et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. (1991) 225 (3), 459-467), the Brassica Bce4 gene promoter (WO 9113980) or the LEB4 promoter (Fiedler and Conrad, 1995)), are advantagous.

[0141] Regulatory sequences include those which direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cell and those which direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells or under certain conditions. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired, etc. The expression vectors of the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce proteins or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., TCMRPs, mutant forms of TCMRPs, fusion proteins, etc.).

[0142] The recombinant expression vectors of the invention can be designed for expression of TCMRPs in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. For example, TCMRP genes can be expressed in bacterial cells such as C. glutamicum, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast and other fungal cells (see Romanos, M.A. et al. (1992) Foreign gene expression in yeast: a review, Yeast 8: 423-488; van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. et al. (1991) Heterologous gene expression in filamentous fungi, in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi, J. W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, eds., p. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego; and van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. & Punt, P. J. (1991) Gene transfer systems and vector development for filamentous fungi, in: Applied Molecular Genetics of Fungi, Peberdy, J. F. et al., eds., p. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge), algae (Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology. 1 (3):239-251), ciliates of the types: Holotrichia, Peritrichia, Spirotrichia, Suctoria, Tetrahymena, Paramecium, Colpidium, Glaucoma, Platyophrya, Potomacus, Pseudocohnilembus, Euplotes, Engelmaniella, and Stylonychia, especially of the genus Stylonychia lemnae with vectors following a transformation method as described in WO9801572 and multicellular plant cells (see Schmidt, R. and Willmitzer, L. (1988), High efficiency Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana leaf and cotyledon explants, Plant Cell Rep.: 583-586); Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, C Press, Boca Raton, Fla., chapter 6/7, S.71-119 (1993); F. F. White, B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds.: Kung und R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-43; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225; or mammalian cells. Suitable host cells are discussed further in Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). Alternatively, the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promoter regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.

[0143] Expression of proteins in prokaryotes is most often carried out with vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters directing the expression of either fusion or non-fusion proteins. Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a protein encoded therein, usually to the amino terminus of the recombinant protein but also to the C-terminus or fused within suitable regions in the proteins. Such fusion vectors typically serve three purposes: 1) to increase expression of recombinant protein; 2) to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein; and 3) to aid in the purification of the recombinant protein by acting as a ligand in affinity purification. Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant protein to enable separation of the recombinant protein from the fusion moiety subsequent to purification of the fusion protein. Such enzymes, and their cognate recognition sequences, include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.

[0144] Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith, D. B. and Johnson, K. S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) which fuse glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein. In one embodiment, the coding sequence of the TCMRP is cloned into a pGEX expression vector to create a vector encoding a fusion protein comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, GST-thrombin cleavage site-X protein. The fusion protein can be purified by affmity chromatography using glutathione-agarose resin. Recombinant TCMRP unfused to GST can be recovered by cleavage of the fusion protein with thrombin.

[0145] Examples of suitable inducible non-fusion E. coli expression vectors include pTrc (Amann et al., (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and pET 11d (Studier et al., Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). Target gene expression from the pTrc vector relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter. Target gene expression from the pET 11d vector relies on transcription from a T7 gn10-lac fusion promoter mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). This viral polymerase is supplied by host strains BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident λ prophage harboring a T7 gn1 gene under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 romoter.

[0146] One strategy to maximize recombinant protein expression is to express the protein in a host bacteria with an impaired capacity to proteolytically cleave the recombinant protein (Gottesman, S., Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 119-128). Another strategy is to alter the nucleic acid sequence of the nucleic acid to be inserted into an expression vector so that the individual codons for each amino acid are those preferentially utilized in the bacterium chosen for expression, such as C. glutamicum (Wada et al. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20:2111-2118). Such alteration of nucleic acid sequences of the invention can be carried out by standard DNA synthesis techniques.

[0147] In another embodiment, the TCMRP expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in yeast S. cerivisae include pYepSec1 (Baldari, et al., (1987) Embo J. 6:229-234), pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz, (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al., (1987) Gene 54:113-123), and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.). Vectors and methods for the construction of vectors appropriate for use in other fungi, such as the filamentous fungi, include those detailed in: van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. & Punt, P. J. (1991) ”Gene transfer systems and vector development for filamentous fungi, in: Applied Molecular Genetics of Fungi, J. F. Peberdy, et al., eds., p. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

[0148] Alternatively, the TCMRPs of the invention can be expressed in insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors. Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells (e.g., Sf 9 cells) include the pAc series (Smith et al. (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3:2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow and Summers (1989) Virology 170:31-39).

[0149] In yet another embodiment, a nucleic acid of the invention is expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector. Examples of mammalian expression vectors include pCDM8 (Seed, B. (1987) Nature 329:840) and pMT2PC (Kaufman et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6:187-195). When used in mammalian cells, the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements. For example, commonly used promoters are derived from polyoma, Adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus and Simian Virus 40. For other suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and -eukaryotic cells see chapters 16 and 17 of Sambrook, J., Fritsh, E. F., and Maniatis, T. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

[0150] In another embodiment, the recombinant mammalian expression vector is capable of directing expression of the nucleic acid preferentially in a particular cell type (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory elements are used to express the nucleic acid). Tissue-specific regulatory elements are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable tissue-specific promoters include the albumin promoter (liver-specific; Pinkert et al. (1987) Genes Dev. 1:268-277), lymphoid-specific promoters (Calame and Eaton (1988) Adv. Immunol. 43:235-275), in particular promoters of T cell receptors (Winoto and Baltimore (1989) EMBO J. 8:729-733) and immunoglobulins (Banerji et al. (1983) Cell 33:729-740; Queen and Baltimore (1983) Cell 33:741-748), neuron-specific promoters (e.g., the neurofilament promoter; Byrne and Ruddle (1989) PNAS 86:5473-5477), pancreas-specific promoters (Edlund et al. (1985) Science 230:912-916), and mammary gland-specific promoters (e.g., milk whey promoter; U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,316 and European Application Publication No. 264,166). Developmentally-regulated promoters are also encompassed, for example the murine hox promoters (Kessel and Gruss (1990) Science 249:374-379) and the fetoprotein promoter (Campes and Tilghman (1989) Genes Dev. 3:537-546).

[0151] In another embodiment, the TCMRPs of the invention may be expressed in unicellular plant cells (such as algae) see Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology.1 (3):239-251 and references therein and plant cells from higher plants (e.g., the spermatophytes, such as crop plants). Examples of plant expression vectors include those detailed in: Becker, D, Kemper, E., Schell, J. and Masterson, R. (1992) “New plant binary vectors with selectable markers located proximal to the left border”, Plant Mol. Biol. 20: 1195-1197; and Bevan, M. W. (1984) “Binary Agrobacterium vectors for plant transformation, Nucl. Acid. Res. 12: 8711-8721; Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds.: Kung und R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, S. 15-38.

[0152] Further, TCMRP genes can be incorporated into a derivative of the transformation vector pBin-19 with 35S promoter (Bevan, M., Nucleic Acids Research 12: 8711-8721 (1984)).

[0153] A plant expression cassette preferably contains regulatory sequences capable to drive gene expression in plants cells and which are operably linked so that each sequence can fulfil its function such as termination of transcription such as polyadenylation signals. Preferred polyadenylation signals are those originating from Agrobacterium tumefaciens t-DNA such as the gene 3 known as octopine synthase of the Ti-plasmid pTiACH5 (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3 (1984), 835 ff) or functional equivalents therof but also all other terminators are suitable.

[0154] As plant gene expression is very often not limited on transcriptional levels a plant expression cassette preferably contains other operably linked sequences like translational enhancers such as the overdrive-sequence containing the 5′-untranlated leader sequence from tobacco mosaic virus enhancing the protein per RNA ratio (Gallie et al 1987, Nucl. Acids Research 15:8693-8711).

[0155] Plant gene expression has to be operably linked to an appropriate promoter conferring gene expression in a timely , cell or tissue specific manner. Preferrred are promoters driving constitutitive expression (Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989) 2195-2202) like those derived from plant viruses like the 35S CAMV (Franck et al., Cell 21(1980) 285-294), the 19S CaMV (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5352605 and WO8402913) or plant promoters like those from Rubisco small subunit described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,028. WO 8705629, WO 9204449.

[0156] Other preferred sequences for use operable linkage in plant gene expression cassettes are targeting-sequences necessary to direct the gene-product in its appropriate cell compartment (for review see Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996), 285-423 and references cited therin) such as the vacuole, the nucleus, all types of plastids like amyloplasts, chloroplasts, chromoplasts, the extracellular space, mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, oil bodies, peroxisomes and other compartments of plant cells.

[0157] It is also possible to use expression cassettes whose DNA sequence encodes, for example, a fusion protein, part of the fusion protein being a transit peptide which governs the translocation of the polypeptide. Preferred are chloroplast-specific transit peptides, which are cleaved enzymatically from the moiety after the TCMRP gene product has been translocated into the chloroplasts. Particularly preferred is the transit peptide which is derived from the plastid Nicotiana tabacum transketolase or from another transit peptide (for example the Rubisco small subunit transit peptide, or the ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase and also the isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase-2) or its functional equivalent.

[0158] Especially preferred are DNA sequences of three cassettes of the plastid transit peptide of the tobacco plastid transketolase in three reading frames as KpnI/BamHI fragments with an ATG codon in the NcoI cleavage site: pTPO9 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCAGCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGGGATCC_BamHI pTP10 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCAGCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGCTGGATCC_BamHI pTP11 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCAGCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGGGGATCC_BamHI.

[0159] The biosynthesis site of tocopherols is, inter alia, the leaf tissue, so that leaf-specific expression of the TCMRP genes constitutes a preferred embodiment. However, this does not constitute a limitation since tocopherol biosynthesis need not be restricted to leaf tissue but can also take place in a tissue-specific manner in all other parts of the plant, in particular in fatty seeds.

[0160] Accordingly, a further preferred embodiment relates to a seed-specific expression of the TCMRP genes.

[0161] In addition, constitutive expression of the exogenous TCMRP genes is advantageous. On the other hand, inducible expression may also appear desirable.

[0162] Expression efficacy of the recombinantly expressed genes can be determined for example in vitro by shoot meristem propagation. Also, changes in the nature and level of the expression of the genes, and their effect on tocopherol biosynthesis performance, can be tested on test plants in greenhouse experiments.

[0163] Plant gene expression can also be facilitated via a chemically inducible promoter (for rewiew see Gatz 1997, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol., 48:89-108). Chemically inducible promoters are especially suitable if gene expression is wanted to occur in a time specific manner. Examples for such promoters are a salicylic acid inducible promoter (WO 95/19443), a tetracycline inducible promoter (Gatz et al., (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404) and an ethanol inducible promoter (WO 93/21334).

[0164] Also promoters responding to biotic or abiotic stress conditions are suitable promoters such as the pathogen inducible PRP1-gene promoter (Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993), 361-366), the heat inducible hsp80-promoter from tomato (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267), cold inducible alpha-amylase promoter from potato (WO9612814) or the wound-inducible pinII-promoter (EP3 75091).

[0165] Especially those promoters are preferred which confer gene expression in storage tissues and organs such as cells of the endosperm and the developing embryo.

[0166] Suitable promoters are the napin-gene promoter from rapeseed (U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,152), the USP-promoter from Vicia faba (Baeumlein et al., Mol Gen Genet, 1991, 225 (3):459-67), the oleosin-promoter from Arabidopsis (WO9845461), the phaseolin-promoter from Phaseolus vulgaris (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the Bce4-promoter from Brassica (WO9113980) or the legumin B4 promoter (LeB4; Baeumlein et al., 1992, Plant Journal, 2 (2):233-9) as well as promoters conferring seed specific expression in monocot plants like maize, barley, wheat, rye, rice etc. Suitable promoters to note are the 1pt2 or 1pt1-gene promoter from barley (WO9515389 and WO9523230) or those desribed in WO9916890 (promoters from the barley hordein-gene, the rice glutelin gene, the rice oryzin gene, the rice prolamin gene, the wheat gliadin gene, wheat glutelin gene, the maize zein gene, the oat glutelin gene, the Sorghum kasirin-gene, the rye secalin gene).

[0167] Also especially suited are promoters that confer plastid-specific gene expression as plastids are the compartment where part of the biosynthesis of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotide or nucleosides take place. Suitable promoters such as the viral RNA-polymerase promoter are described in WO9516783 and WO9706250 and the c1 pP-promoter from Arabidopsis described in WO9946394.

[0168] The invention further provides a recombinant expression vector comprising a DNA molecule of the invention cloned into the expression vector in an antisense orientation. That is, the DNA molecule is operatively linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner which allows for expression (by transcription of the DNA molecule) of an RNA molecule which is antisense to TCMRP mRNA. Regulatory sequences operatively linked to a nucleic acid cloned in the antisense orientation can be chosen which direct the continuous expression of the antisense RNA molecule in a variety of cell types, for instance viral promoters and/or enhancers, or regulatory sequences can be chosen which direct constitutive, tissue specific or cell type specific expression of antisense RNA. The antisense expression vector can be in the form of a recombinant plasmid, phagemid or attenuated virus in which antisense nucleic acids are produced under the control of a high efficiency regulatory region, the activity of which can be determined by the cell type into which the vector is introduced. For a discussion of the regulation of gene expression using antisense genes see Weintraub, H. et al., Antisense RNA as a molecular tool for genetic analysis, Reviews—Trends in Genetics, Vol. 1(1) 1986 and Mol et al., 1990, FEBS Letters 268:427-430.

[0169] Another aspect of the invention pertains to host cells into which a recombinant expression vector of the invention has been introduced. The terms “host cell” and “recombinant host cell” are used interchangeably herein. It is understood that such terms refer not only to the particular subject cell but to the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term as used herein.

[0170] A host cell can be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. For example, an TCMRP can be expressed in bacterial cells such as E.coli, C. glutamicum, insect cells, fungal cells or mammalian cells (such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or COS cells), algae, ciliates, plant cells or fungi. Other suitable host cells are known to those skilled in the art. Preferred are plant cells.

[0171] Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. As used herein, the terms “transformation” and “transfection”, conjugation and transduction are intended to refer to a variety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, natural competence, chemical-mediated transfer, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells including plant cells can be found in Sambrook, et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) and other laboratory manuals such as Methods in Molecular Biology, 1995, Vol. 44, Agrobacterium protocols, ed: Gartland and Davey, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.

[0172] Suitable methods are protoplast transformation by polyethylene-glycol-induced DNA uptake, the biolistic method using the gene gun—the so-called particle bombardment method, electroporation, incubation of dry embryos in DNA-containing solution, microinjection and agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer.

[0173] For stable transfection of mammalian cells, it is known that, depending upon the expression vector and transfection technique used, only a small fraction of cells may integrate the foreign DNA into their genome. In order to identify and select these integrants, a gene that encodes a selectable marker (e.g., resistance to antibiotics) is generally introduced into the host cells along with the gene of interest. Preferred selectable markers include those which confer resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin and methotrexate or in plants that confer resistance towards a herbicide such as glyphosate or glufosinate. Nucleic acid encoding a selectable marker can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as that encoding an TCMRP or can be introduced on a separate vector. Cells stably transfected with the introduced nucleic acid can be identified by, for example, drug selection (e.g., cells that have incorporated the selectable marker gene will survive, while the other cells die).

[0174] To create a homologous recombinant microorganism, a vector is prepared which contains at least a portion of an TCMRP gene into which a deletion, addition or substitution has been introduced to thereby alter, e.g., functionally disrupt, the TCMRP gene. Preferably, this TCMRP gene is a Physcomitrella patens TCMRP gene, but it can be a homologue from a related plant or even from a mammalian, yeast, or insect source. In a preferred embodiment, the vector is designed such that, upon homologous recombination, the endogenous TCMRP gene is functionally disrupted (i.e., no longer encodes a functional protein; also referred to as a knock-out vector). Alternatively, the vector can be designed such that, upon homologous recombination, the endogenous TCMRP gene is mutated or otherwise altered but still encodes functional protein (e.g., the upstream regulatory region can be altered to thereby alter the expression of the endogenous TCMRP). To create a point mutation via homologous recombination also DNA-RNA hybrids can be used known as chimeraplasty known from Cole-Strauss et al. 1999, Nucleic Acids Research 27(5):1323-1330 and Kmiec Gene therapy. 19999, American Scientist. 87(3):240-247.

[0175] Whereas in the homologous recombination vector, the altered portion of the TCMRP gene is flanked at its 5′ and 3′ ends by additional nucleic acid of the TCMRP gene to allow for homologous recombination to occur between the exogenous TCMRP gene carried by the vector and an endogenous TCMRP gene in a microorganism or plant. The additional flanking TCMRP nucleic acid is of sufficient length for successful homologous recombination with the endogenous gene. Typically, several hundreds of basepairs up to kilobases of flanking DNA (both at the 5′ and 3′ ends) are included in the vector (see e.g., Thomas, K. R., and Capecchi, M. R. (1987) Cell 51: 503 for a description of homologous recombination vectors or Strepp et al., 1998, PNAS, 95 (8):43684373 for cDNA based recombination in Physcomitrella patens). The vector is introduced into a microorganism or plant cell (e.g., via polyethyleneglycol mediated DNA) and cells in which the introduced TCMRP gene has homologously recombined with the endogenous TCMRP gene are selected, using art-known techniques.

[0176] In another embodiment, recombinant microorganisms can be produced which contain selected systems which allow for regulated expression of the introduced gene. For example, inclusion of an TCMRP gene on a vector placing it under control of the lac operon permits expression of the TCMRP gene only in the presence of IPTG. Such regulatory systems are well known in the art.

[0177] A host cell of the invention, such as a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell in culture, can be used to produce (i.e., express) an TCMRP. An alternate method can be applied in addition in plants by the direct transfer of DNA into developing flowers via electroporation or Agrobacterium medium gene transfer. Accordingly, the invention further provides methods for producing TCMRPs using the host cells of the invention. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing the host cell of invention (into which a recombinant expression vector encoding an TCMRP has been introduced, or into which genome has been introduced a gene encoding a wild-type or altered TCMRP) in a suitable medium until TCMRP is produced. In another embodiment, the method further comprises isolating TCMRPs from the medium or the host cell.

C. Isolated TCMRPs

[0178] Another aspect of the invention pertains to isolated TCMRPs, and biologically active portions thereof. An “isolated” or “purified” protein or biologically active portion thereof is substantially free of cellular material when produced by recombinant DNA techniques, or chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of TCMRP in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of TCMRP having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of non-TCMRP (also referred to herein as a “contaminating protein”), more preferably less than about 20% of non-TCMRP, still more preferably less than about 10% of non-TCMRP, and most preferably less than about 5% non-TCMRP.

[0179] When the TCMRP or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations of TCMRP in which the protein is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations of TCMRP having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-TCMRP chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-TCMRP chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-TCMRP chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-TCMRP chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the TCMRP is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant expression of, for example, a Physcomitrella patens TCMRP in other plants than Physcomitrella patens or microorganisms such as C. glutamicum or ciliates, algae or fungi.

[0180] An isolated TCMRP or a portion thereof of the invention can participate in the metabolism of amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotides or nucleosides in Physcomitrella patens, or has one or more of the activities set forth in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, the protein or portion thereof comprises an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the metabolism of fine chemicals like amino acids, vitamins, cofactors, nutraceuticals, nucleotides, or nucleosides in Physcomitrella patens. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. In another preferred embodiment, an TCMRP of the invention has an amino acid sequence shown in Appendix B. In yet another preferred embodiment, the TCMRP has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, e.g., hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A. In still another preferred embodiment, the TCMRP has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, more preferably at least about 70-80%, 80-90%, 90-95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Appendix B. The preferred TCMRPS of the present invention also preferably possess at least one of the TCMRP activities described herein. For example, a preferred TCMRP of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, e.g., hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Appendix A, and which can participate in the metabolism of tocopherols or carotenoids in Physcomitrella patens, or which has one or more of the activities set forth in Table 1.

[0181] In other embodiments, the TCMRP is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence of Appendix B and retains the functional activity of the protein of one of the sequences of Appendix B yet differs in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail in subsection I above. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the TCMRP is a protein which comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least about 50-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, and more preferably at least about 70-80, 80-90, 90-95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B and which has at least one of the TCMRP activities described herein. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a full Physcomitrella patens protein which is substantially homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Appendix B.

[0182] Biologically active portions of an TCMRP include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of an TCMRP, e.g., the an amino acid sequence shown in Appendix B or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous to an TCMRP, which include fewer amino acids than a full length TCMRP or the full length protein which is homologous to an TCMRP, and exhibit at least one activity of an TCMRP. Typically, biologically active portions (peptides, e.g., peptides which are, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, 100 or more amino acids in length) comprise a domain or motif with at least one activity of an TCMRP. Moreover, other biologically active portions, in which other regions of the protein are deleted, can be prepared by recombinant techniques and evaluated for one or more of the activities described herein. Preferably, the biologically active portions of an TCMRP include one or more selected domains/motifs or portions thereof having biological activity.

[0183] TCMRPs are preferably produced by recombinant DNA techniques. For example, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein is cloned into an expression vector (as described above), the expression vector is introduced into a host cell (as described above) and the TCMRP is expressed in the host cell. The TCMRP can then be isolated from the cells by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques. Alternative to recombinant expression, an TCMRP, polypeptide, or peptide can be synthesized chemically using standard peptide synthesis techniques. Moreover, native TCMRP can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using an anti-TCMRP antibody, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing an TCMRP or fragment thereof of this invention.

[0184] The invention also provides TCMRP chimeric or fusion proteins. As used herein, an TCMRP “chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises an TCMRP polypeptide operatively linked to a non-TCMRP polypeptide. An “TCMRP polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to an TCMRP, whereas a “non-TCMRP polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to the TCMRP, e.g., a protein which is different from the TCMRP and which is derived from the same or a different organism. Within the fusion protein, the term “operatively linked” is intended to indicate that the TCMRP polypeptide and the non-TCMRP polypeptide are fused to each other so that both sequences fulfil the proposed function addicted to the sequence used. The non-TCMRP polypeptide can be fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the TCMRP polypeptide. For example, in one embodiment the fusion protein is a GST-TCMRP fusion protein in which the TCMRP sequences are fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequences. Such fusion proteins can facilitate the purification of recombinant TCMRPs. In another embodiment, the fusion protein is an TCMRP containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus. In certain host cells (e.g., mammalian host cells), expression and/or secretion of an TCMRP can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence.

[0185] Preferably, an TCMRP chimeric or fusion protein of the invention is produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. For example, DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, for example by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation. In another embodiment, the fusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried out using anchor primers which give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, eds. Ausubel et al. John Wiley & Sons: 1992). Moreover, many expression vectors are commercially available that already encode a fusion moiety (e.g., a GST polypeptide). An TCMRP—encoding nucleic acid can be cloned into such an expression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to the TCMRP.

[0186] Homologues of the TCMRP can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g., discrete point mutation or truncation of the TCMRP. As used herein, the term “homologue” refers to a variant form of the TCMRP which acts as an agonist or antagonist of the activity of the TCMRP. An agonist of the TCMRP can retain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activities of the TCMRP. An antagonist of the TCMRP can inhibit one or more of the activities of the naturally occurring form of the TCMRP, by, for example, competitively binding to a downstream or upstream member of the cell membrane component metabolic cascade which includes the TCMRP, or by binding to an TCMRP which mediates transport of compounds across such membranes, thereby preventing translocation from taking place.

[0187] In an alternative embodiment, homologues of the TCMRP can be identified by screening combinatorial libraries of mutants, e.g., truncation mutants, of the TCMRP for TCMRP agonist or antagonist activity. In one embodiment, a variegated library of TCMRP variants is generated by combinatorial mutagenesis at the nucleic acid level and is encoded by a variegated gene library. A variegated library of TCMRP variants can be produced by, for example, enzymatically ligating a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides into gene sequences such that a degenerate set of potential TCMRP sequences is expressible as individual polypeptides, or alternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phage display) containing the set of TCMRP sequences therein. There are a variety of methods which can be used to produce libraries of potential TCMRP homologues from a degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Chemical synthesis of a degenerate gene sequence can be performed in an automatic DNA synthesizer, and the synthetic gene then ligated into an appropriate expression vector. Use of a degenerate set of genes allows for the provision, in one mixture, of all of the sequences encoding the desired set of potential TCMRP sequences. Methods for synthesizing degenerate oligonucleotides are known in the art (see, e.g., Narang, S. A. (1983) Tetrahedron 39:3; Itakura et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53:323; Itakura et al. (1984) Science 198:1056; Ike et al. (1983) Nucleic Acid Res. 11:477.

[0188] In addition, libraries of fragments of the TCMRP coding can be used to generate a variegated population of TCMRP fragments for screening and subsequent selection of homologues of an TCMRP. In one embodiment, a library of coding sequence fragments can be generated by treating a double stranded PCR fragment of an TCMRP coding sequence with a nuclease under conditions wherein nicking occurs only about once per molecule, denaturing the double stranded DNA, renaturing the DNA to form double stranded DNA which can include sense/antisense pairs from different nicked products, removing single stranded portions from reformed duplexes by treatment with S1 nuclease, and ligating the resulting fragment library into an expression vector. By this method, an expression library can be derived which encodes N-terminal, C-terminal and internal fragments of various sizes of the TCMRP.

[0189] Several techniques are known in the art for screening gene products of combinatorial libraries made by point mutations or truncation, and for screening cDNA libraries for gene products having a selected property. Such techniques are adaptable for rapid screening of the gene libraries generated by the combinatorial mutagenesis of TCMRP homologues. The most widely used techniques, which are amenable to high through-put analysis, for screening large gene libraries typically include cloning the gene library into replicable expression vectors, transforming appropriate cells with the resulting library of vectors, and expressing the combinatorial genes under conditions in which detection of a desired activity facilitates isolation of the vector encoding the gene whose product was detected. Recursive ensemble mutagenesis (REM), a new technique which enhances the frequency of functional mutants in the libraries, can be used in combination with the screening assays to identify TCMRP homologues (Arkin and Yourvan (1992) PNAS 89:7811-7815; Delgrave et al (1993) Protein Engineering 6(3):327-331).

[0190] In another embodiment, cell based assays can be exploited to analyze a variegated TCMRP library, using methods well known in the art.

D. Uses and Methods of the Invention

[0191] The nucleic acid molecules, proteins, protein homologues, fusion proteins, priners, vectors, and host cells described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods: identification of Physcomitrella patens and related organisms; mapping of genomes of organisms related to Physcomitrella patens; identification and localization of Physcomitrella patens sequences of interest; evolutionary studies; determination of TCMRP regions required for function; modulation of an TCMRP activity; modulation of the cellular production of one or more fine chemicals such as tocopherols or carotenoids. The TCMRP nucleic acid molecules of the invention have a variety of uses. First, they may be used to identify an organism as being Physcomitrella patens or a close relative thereof. Also, they may be used to identify the presence of Physcomitrella patens or a relative thereof in a mixed population of microorganisms. The invention provides the nucleic acid sequences of a number of Physcomitrella patens genes; by probing the extracted genomic DNA of a culture of a unique or mixed population of microorganisms under stringent conditions with a probe spanning a region of a Physcomitrella patens gene which is unique to this organism, one can ascertain whether this organism is present.

[0192] Further, the nucleic acid and protein molecules of the invention may serve as markers for specific regions of the genome. This has utility not only in the mapping of the genome, but also for functional studies of Physcomitrella patens proteins. For example, to identify the region of the genome to which a particular Physcomitrella patens DNA-binding protein binds, the Physcomitrella patens genome could be digested, and the fragments incubated with the DNA-binding protein. Those which bind the protein may be additionally probed with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, preferably with readily detectable labels; binding of such a nucleic acid molecule to the genome fragment enables the localization of the fragment to the genome map of Physcomitrella patens, and, when performed multiple times with different enzymes, facilitates a rapid determination of the nucleic acid sequence to which the protein binds. Further, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention may be sufficiently homologous to the sequences of related species such that these nucleic acid molecules may serve as markers for the construction of a genomic map in related mosses, such as Physcomitrella patens.

[0193] The TCMRP nucleic acid molecules of the invention are also useful for evolutionary and protein structural studies. The metabolic and transport processes in which the molecules of the invention participate are utilized by a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; by comparing the sequences of the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention to those encoding similar enzymes from other organisms, the evolutionary relatedness of the organisms can be assessed. Similarly, such a comparison permits an assessment of which regions of the sequence are conserved and which are not, which may aid in determining those regions of the protein which are essential for the functioning of the enzyme. This type of determination is of value for protein engineering studies and may give an indication of what the protein can tolerate in terms of mutagenesis without losing function.

[0194] Manipulation of the TCMRP nucleic acid molecules of the invention may result in the production of TCMRPs having functional differences from the wild-type TCMRPs. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity.

[0195] There are a number of mechanisms by which the alteration of an TCMRP of the invention may directly affect the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a fine chemical like tocopherols and carotenoids incorporating such an altered protein into microorganisms, algae or plants. Recovery of fine chemical compounds from large-scale cultures of C. glutamicum, ciliates, algae or fungi is significantly improved if the cell secretes the desired compounds, since such compounds may be readily purified from the culture medium (as opposed to extracted from the mass of cultured cells). In the case of plants expressing TCMRPs increased transport can lead to improved partitioning within the plant tissue and organs. By either increasing the number or the activity of transporter molecules which export fine chemicals from the cell, it may be possible to increase the amount of the produced fine chemical which is present in the extracellular medium, thus permitting greater ease of harvesting and purification or in case of plants mor efficient partitioning. Conversely, in order to efficiently overproduce one or more fine chemicals, increased amounts of the cofactors, precursor molecules, and intermediate compounds for the appropriate biosynthetic pathways are required. Therefore, by increasing the number and/or activity of transporter proteins involved in the import of nutrients, such as carbon sources (i.e., sugars), nitrogen sources (i.e., amino acids, ammonium salts), phosphate, and sulfur, it may be possible to improve the production of a fine chemical, due to the removal of any nutrient supply limitations on the biosynthetic process.

[0196] The engineering of one or more TCMRP genes of the invention may also result in TCMRPs having altered activities which indirectly impact the production of one or more desired fine chemicals from algae, plants, ciliates or fungi or other microorganims like C. glutamicum. For example, the normal biochemical processes of metabolism result in the production of a variety of waste products (e.g., hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species) which may actively interfere with these same metabolic processes (for example, peroxynitrite is known to nitrate tyrosine side chains, thereby inactivating some enzymes having tyrosine in the active site (Groves, J. T. (1999) Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol, 3(2): 226-235). While these waste products are typically excreted, cells utilized for large-scale fermentative production are optimized for the overproduction of one or more fine chemicals, and thus may produce more waste products than is typical for a wild-type cell. By optimizing the activity of one or more TCMRPs of the invention which are involved in the export of waste molecules, it may be possible to improve the viability of the cell and to maintain efficient metabolic activity. Also, the presence of high intracellular levels of the desired fine chemical may actually be toxic to the cell, so by increasing the ability of the cell to secrete these compounds, one may improve the viability of the cell.

[0197] Further, the TCMRPs of the invention may be manipulated such that the relative amounts of various lipophilic fine chemicals like for example vitamin E or carotenoids are altered. This may have a profound effect on the lipid composition of the membrane of the cell. Since each type of lipid has different physical properties, an alteration in the lipid composition of a membrane may significantly alter membrane fluidity. Changes in membrane fluidity can impact the transport of molecules across the membrane, which, as previously explicated, may modify the export of waste products or the produced fine chemical or the import of necessary nutrients. Such membrane fluidity changes may also profoundly affect the integrity of the cell; cells with relatively weaker membranes are more vulnerable abiotic and biotic stress conditions which may damage or kill the cell. By manipulating TCMRPs involved in the production of fatty acids and lipids for membrane construction such that the resulting membrane has a membrane composition more amenable to the environmental conditions extant in the cultures utilized to produce fine chemicals, a greater proportion of the cells should survive and multiply. Greater numbers of producing cells should translate into greater yields, production, or efficiency of production of the fine chemical from the culture.

[0198] The aforementioned mutagenesis strategies for TCMRPs to result in increased yields of a fine chemical are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid and protein molecules of the invention may be utilized to generate algae, ciliates, plants, fungi or other microorganims like C. glutamicum expressing mutated TCMRP nucleic acid and protein molecules such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved. This desired compound may be any natural product of algae, ciliates, plants, fungi or C. glutamicum, which includes the final products of biosynthesis pathways and intermediates of naturally-occurring metabolic pathways, as well as molecules which do not naturally occur in the metabolism of said cells, but which are produced by a said cells of the invention.

[0199] This invention is further illustrated by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references, patent applications, patents, and published patent applications cited throughout this application are hereby incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLIFICATION Example 1 General Processes

[0200] a) General Cloning Processes:

[0201] Cloning processes such as, for example, restriction cleavages, agarose gel electrophoresis, purification of DNA fragments, transfer of nucleic acids to nitrocellulose and nylon membranes, linkage of DNA fragments, transformation of Escherichia coli and yeast cells, growth of bacteria and sequence analysis of recombinant DNA were carried out as described in Sambrook et al. (1989) (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: ISBN 0-87969-309-6) or Kaiser, Michaelis and Mitchell (1994) “Methods in Yeasr Genetics” (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: ISBN 0-87969451-3). Transformation and cultivation 21of algae such as Chlorella or Phaeodactylum are transformed as described by El-Sheekh (1999), Biologia Plantarum 42: 209-216; Apt et al. (1996), Molecular and General Genetics 252 (5): 872-9.

[0202] b) Chemicals:

[0203] The chemicals used were obtained, if not mentioned otherwise in the text, in p.a. quality from the companies Fluka (Neu-Ulm), Merck (Darmstadt), Roth (Karlsruhe), Serva (Heidelberg) and Sigma (Deisenhofen). Solutions were prepared using purified, pyrogen-free water, designated as H₂O in the following text, from a Milli-Q water system water purification plant (Millipore, Eschbom). Restriction endonucleases, DNA-modifying enzymes and molecular biology kits were obtained from the companies AGS (Heidelberg), Amersham (Braunschweig), Biometra (Göttingen), Boehringer (Mannheim), Genomed (Bad Oeynnhausen), New England Biolabs (Schwalbach/Taunus), Novagen (Madison, Wis., USA), Perkin-Elmer (Weiterstadt), Pharmacia (Freiburg), Qiagen (Hilden) and Stratagene (Amsterdam, Netherlands). They were used, if not mentioned otherwise, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

c) Plant Material

[0204] For this study, plants of the species Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) B.S.G. from the collection of the genetic studies section of the University of Hamburg were used. They originate from the strain 16/14 collected by H. L. K. Whitehouse in Gransden Wood, Huntingdonshire (England), which was subcultured from a spore by Engel (1968, Am J Bot 55, 438446). Proliferation of the plants was carried out by means of spores and by means of regeneration of the gametophytes. The protonema developed from the haploid spore as a chloroplast-rich chloronema and chloroplast-low caulonema, on which buds formed after approximately 12 days. These grew to give gametophores bearing antheridia and archegonia. After fertilization, the diploid sporophyte with a short seta and the spore capsule resulted, in which the meiospores mature.

d) Plant Growth

[0205] Culturing was carried out in a climatic chamber at an air temperature of 25□C and light intensity of 55 micromols-1m-2 (white light; Philips TL 65W/25 fluorescent tube) and a light/dark change of 16/8 hours. The moss was either modified in liquid culture using Knop medium according to Reski and Abel (1985, Planta 165, 354-358) or cultured on Knop solid medium using 1% oxoid agar (Unipath, Basingstoke, England).

[0206] The protonemas used for RNA and DNA isolation were cultured in aerated liquid cultures. The protonemas were comminuted every 9 days and transferred to fresh culture medium.

Example 2 Total DNA Isolation From Plants

[0207] The details for the isolation of total DNA relate to the working up of one gram fresh weight of plant material.

[0208] CTAB buffer: 2% (w/v) N-cethyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB); 100 mM Tris HCl pH 8.0; 1.4 M NaCl; 20 mM EDTA.

[0209] N-Laurylsarcosine buffer: 10% (w/v) N-laurylsarcosine; 100 mM Tris HCl pH 8.0; 20 mM EDTA.

[0210] The plant material was triturated under liquid nitrogen in a mortar to give a fine powder and transferred to 2 ml Eppendorf vessels. The frozen plant material was then covered with a layer of 1 ml of decomposition buffer (1 ml CTAB buffer, 100 ml of N-laurylsarcosine buffer, 20 ml of b-mercaptoethanol and 10 ml of proteinase K solution, 10 mg/ml) and incubated at 60 C for one hour with continuous shaking. The homogenate obtained was distributed into two Eppendorf vessels (2 ml) and extracted twice by shaking with the same volume of chloroform/isoamyl alcohol (24:1). For phase separation, centrifugation was carried out at 8000×g and RT for 15 min in each case. The DNA was then precipitated at −70 C. for 30 min using ice-cold isopropanol. The precipitated DNA was sedimented at 4 C and 10,000 g for 30 min and resuspended in 180 ml of TE buffer (Sambrook et al., 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: ISBN 0-87969-309-6). For further purification, the DNA was treated with NaCl (1.2 M final concentration) and precipitated again at −70 C. for 30 min using twice the volume of absolute ethanol. After a washing step with 70% ethanol, the DNA was dried and subsequently taken up in 50 ml of H₂O+RNAse (50 mg/ml final concentration). The DNA was dissolved overnight at 4 C and the RNAse digestion was subsequently carried out at 37 C for 1 h. Storage of the DNA took place at 4 C.

Example 3 Isolation of Total RNA and Poly-(A)+RNA From Plants

[0211] For the investigation of transcripts, both total RNA and poly-(A)⁺RNA were isolated. The total RNA was obtained from wild-type 9d old protonemata following the GTC-method (Reski et al. 1994, Mol. Gen. Genet., 244:352-359).

[0212] Isolation of PolyA+RNA was isolated using Dyna Beads® (Dynal, Oslo) Following the instructions of the manufacturers protocol.

[0213] After determination of the concentration of the RNA or of the poly-(A)+RNA, the RNA was precipitated by addition of 1/10 volumes of 3 M sodium acetate pH 4.6 and 2 volumes of ehanol and stored at −70 C.

Example 4 cDNA Library Construction

[0214] For cDNA library construction first strand synthesis was achieved using Murine Leukemia Virus reverse transcriptase (Roche, Mannheim, Germany) and olido-d(T)-primers, second strand synthesis by incubation with DNA polymerase I, Klenow enzyme and RNAseH digestion at 12° C. (2 h), 16° C. (1 h) and 22° C. (1h). The reaction was stopped by incubation at 65° C. (10 min) and subsequently transferred to ice. Double stranded DNA molecules were blunted by T4-DNA-polymerase (Roche, Mannheim) at 37° C. (30 min). Nucleotides were removed by phenol/chloroform extraction and Sephadex-G50 spin columns. EcoRI adapters (Pharmacia, Freiburg, Germany) were ligated to the cDNA ends by T4-DNA-ligase (Roche, 12° C., overnight) and phosphorylated by incubation with polynucleotide kinase (Roche, 37° C., 30 min). This mixture was subjected to separation on a low melting agarose gel. DNA molecules larger than 300 basepairs were eluted from the gel, phenol extracted, concentrated on Elutip-D-columns (Schleicher and Schuell, Dassel, Germany) and were ligated to vector arms and packed into lambda ZAPII-phages or lambda ZAP-Express phages using the Gigapack Gold Kit (Stratagene, Amsterdam, Netherlands) using material and following the instructions of the manufacturer.

Example 5 Identification of Genes of Interest

[0215] Gene sequences can be used to identify homologous or heterologous genes from cDNA or genomic libraries.

[0216] Homologous genes (e. g. full length CDNA clones) can be isolated via nucleic acid hybridization using for example cDNA libraries: Depended on the abundance of the gene of interest 100 000 up to 1 000 000 recombinant bacteriophages are plated and transferred to a nylon membrane. After denaturation with alkali, DNA is immobilized on the membrane by e. g. UV cross linking. Hybridization is carried out at high stringency conditions. In aqueous solution hybridization and washing is performed at an ionic strength of 1 M NaCl and a temperature of 68□C. Hybridization probes are generated by e. g. radioactive (³²P) nick transcription labeling (Amersham Ready Prime). Signals are detected by exposure to x-ray films.

[0217] Partially homologous or heterologous genes that are related but not identical can be identified analog to the above described procedure using low stringency hybridization and washing conditions. For aqueous hybridization the ionic strength is normally kept at 1 M NaCl while the temperature is progressively lowered from 68 to 42□C.

[0218] Isolation of gene sequences with homologies only in a distinct domain of (for example 20 aminoacids) can be carried out by using synthetic radio labeled oligonucleotide probes. Radio labeled oligonucleotides are prepared by phosphorylalation of the 5′-prime end of two complementary oligonucleotides with T4 polynucleotede kinase. The complementary oligonucleotides are annealed and ligated to form concatemers. The double stranded concatemers are than radiolabled by for example nick transcription. Hybridization is normally performed at low stringency conditions using high oligonucleotide concentrations.

[0219] Oligonucleotide hybridization solution:

[0220] 6×SSC

[0221] 0.01 M sodium phosphate

[0222] 1 mM EDTA (pH 8)

[0223] 0.5% SDS

[0224] 100 μg/ml denaturated salmon sperm DNA

[0225] 0.1% nonfat dried milk

[0226] During hybridization temperature is lowered stepwise to 5-10□C below the estimated oligonucleotid Tm.

[0227] Further details are described by Sambrook, J. et al. (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons.

Example 6 Identification of Genes of Interest by Screening Expression Libraries With Antibodies

[0228] C-DNA sequences can be used to produce recombinant protein for example in E. coli (e.g. Qiagen QIAexpress pQE system). Recombinant proteins are than normally affinity purified via Ni-NTA affinity chromatoraphy (Qiagen). Recombinant proteins are than used to produce specific antibodies for example by using standard techniques for rabbit immunization. Antibodies are affinitypurified using a Ni-NTA column saturated with the recombinant antigen as described by Gu et al., (1994)BioTechniques 17: 257-262. The antibody can than be used to screen expression cDNA libraries to identify homologous or heterologous genes via an immunological screening (Sambrook, J. et al. (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

Example 7 Northern-Hybridization

[0229] For RNA hybridization, 20 mg of total RNA or 1 mg of poly-(A)+RNA were separated by gel electrophoresis in 1.25% strength agarose gels using formaldehyde as described in Amasino (1986, Anal. Biochem. 152, 304), transferred by capillary attraction using 10×SSC to positively charged nylon membranes (Hybond N+, Amersham, Braunschweig), immobilized by UV light and prehybridized for 3 hours at 68° C. using hybridization buffer (10% dextran sulfate w/v, 1 M NaCl, 1% SDS, 100 mg of herring sperm DNA). The labeling of the DNA probe with the “Highprime DNA labeling kit” (Roche, Mannheim, Germany) was carried out during the prehybridization using alpha-³²p dCTP (Amersham, Braunschweig, Germany). Hybridization was carried out after addition of the labeled DNA probe in the same buffer at 68° C. overnight. The washing steps were carried out twice for 15 min using 2×SSC and twice for 30 min using 1×SSC, 1% SDS at 68° C. The exposure of the sealed-in filters was carried out at −70° C. for a period of 1-14d.

Example 8 DNA Sequencing

[0230] CDNA libraries as described in Example 4 were used for DNA sequencing according to standard methods, in particular by the chain termination method using the ABI PRISM Big Dye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit (Perkin-Elmer, Weiterstadt, Germany). Random Sequencing was carried out subsequent to preparative plasmid recovery from cDNA libraries via in vivo mass excision and retransformation of DH10B on agar plates (material and protocol details from Stratagene, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Plasmid DNA was prepared from overnight grown E. coli cultures grown in Luria-Broth medium containing ampicillin (see Sambrook et al. (1989) (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: ISBN 0-87969-309-6)) on a Qiagene DNA preparation robot (Qiagen, Hilden) according to the manufacturers protocols. Sequencing primers with the following nucleotide sequences were used: 5′-CAGGAAACAGCTATGACC-3′ 5′-CTAAAGGGAACAAAAGCTG-3′ 5′-TGTAAAACGACGGCCAGT-3′

Example 9 Plasmids for Plant Transformation

[0231] For plant transformation binary vectors such as pBinAR-TkTp-9 (Badur, 1998 PhD thesis, Georg August University of Göttingen, Germany, “Molecular and functional analysis of isoenzymes for example of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglucose-isomerase and 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptusolonate-7-phosphate synthase” [“Molekularbiologische und funktionelle Analyse von pflanzlichen Isoenzymen am Beispiel der Fructose-1,6-bisphosphat Aldolase, Phosphoglucose-Isomerase und der 3-Deoxy-D-Arabino-Heptusolonat-7-Phosphat Synthase”]) can be used. This vector is a derivative of pBinAR (Höfgen and Willmitzer, Plant Science 66(1990), 221-230) and contains the CaMV (cauliflower mosaic virus) 35S promoter (Franck et al., 1980), the termination signal of the octopine synthase gene (Gielen et al., 1984) and the DNA sequence encoding the transit peptide of the Nicotiana tabacum plastid transketolase. Construction of the binary vectors can be performed by ligation of the cDNA in sense or antisense orientation into the T-DNA.

[0232] 5′-prime to the cDNA a plant promotor activates transcription of the cDNA. A polyadenylation sequence is located 3′-prime to the cDNA.

[0233] Tissue specific expression can be archived by using a tissue specific promotor. For example seed specific expression can be archived by cloning the napin or USP promotor 5-prime to the cDNA. Also any other seed specific promotor element can be used. For constitutive expression within the whole plant the CaMV 35S promotor can be used.

[0234] The expressed protein can be targeted to a cellular compartment using a signal peptide, for example for plasids, mitochondria or endoplasmatic reticulum (Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996), 285423). The signal peptide is cloned 5 ′-prime in frame to the cDNA to archive subeellular localization of the fusionprotein.

[0235] Nucleic acid molecules from Physcomitrella are used for a direct gene knock-out by homologous recombination. Therefore Physcometrella sequences are usefull for functional genomic approaches. The technique is described by Strepp et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,1998, 95: 4369 -4373; Girke et al. (1998), Plant Journal 15: 39-48; Hofmann et al. (1999) Molecular and General Genetics 261: 92-99.

Example 10 Transformation of Agrobacterium

[0236] Agrobacterium mediated plant transformation can be performed using for example the GV3101(pTCMRP90) (Koncz and Schell, Mol. Gen.Genet. 204 (1986), 383-396) or LBA4404 (Clontech) Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain. Transformation can be performed by standard transformation techniques (Deblaere et al., Nucl. Acids. Tes. 13 (1984),4777-4788).

Example 11 Plant Transformation

[0237] Agrobacterium mediated plant transformation has been performed using standard transformation and regeneration techniques (Gelvin, Stanton B.; Schilperoort, Robert A, “Plant Molecular Biology Manual”, 2nd Ed. —Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publ., 1995. —in Sect., Ringbuc Zentrale Signatur: BT11-P ISBN 0-7923-2731-4; Glick, Bernard R.; Thompson, John E., “Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology”, Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1993. -360 S., ISBN 0-8493-5164-2).

[0238] For example rapeseed can be transformed via cotyledon or hypocotyl transformation (Moloney et al., Plant cell Report 8 (1989), 238-242; De Block et al., Plant Physiol. 91 (1989, 694-701). Use of antibiotica for agrobacterium and plant selection depends on the binary vector and the agrobacterium strain used for transformation. Rapeseed selection is normally performed using kanamycin as selectable plant marker.

[0239] Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer to flax can be performed using for example a technique described by Mlynarova et al. (1994), Plant Cell Report 13: 282-285.

[0240] Transformation of soybean can be performed using for example a technique described in EP 0424 047, U.S. Pat. No. 322,783 (Pioneer Hi-Bred International) or in EP 0397 687, U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,543, U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,770 (University Toledo).

[0241] Plant transformation using particle bombardment, Polyethylene Glycol mediated DNA uptake or via the Silicon Carbide Fiber technique is for example described by Freeling and Walbot “The maize handbook” (1993) ISBN 3-540-97826-7, Springer Verlag New York).

Example 12 In vivo Mutagenesis

[0242] In vivo mutagenesis of microorganisms can be performed by passage of plasmid (or other vector) DNA through E. coli or other microorganisms (e.g. Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are impaired in their capabilities to maintain the integrity of their genetic information. Typical mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system (e.g., mutHLS, mutD, mutT, etc.; for reference, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms, in: Escherichia coli and Salmonella, p. 277-2294, ASM: Washington.) Such strains are well known to those skilled in the art. he use of such strains is illustrated, for example, in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7: 32-34. Transfer of mutated DNA molecules into plants is preferably done after selection and testing in microorganisms. Transgenic plants are generated according to various examples within the exemplification of this document.

Example 13 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum

[0243] Several Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species contain endogenous plasmids (as e.g., pHM1519 or pBL1) which replicate autonomously (for review see, e.g., Martin, J. F. et al. (1987) Biotechnology, 5:137-146). Shuttle vectors for Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum can be readily constructed by using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al. (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) to which a origin or replication for and a suitable marker from Corynebacterium glutamicum is added. Such origins of replication are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids isolated from Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species. Of particular use as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those derived from the Tn5 or Tn903 transposons) or chloramphenicol (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim). There are numerous examples in the literature of the construction of a wide variety of shuttle vectors which replicate in both E. coli and C. glutamicum, and which can be used for several purposes, including gene over-expression (for reference, see e.g., Yoshihama, M. et al. (1985) J. Bacteriol. 162:591-597, Martin J. F. et al. (1987) Biotechnology, 5:137-146 and Eikmanns, B. J. et al. (1991) Gene, 102:93-98). Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the shuttle vectors described above and to introduce such a hybrid vectors into strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum. Transformation of C. glutamicum can be achieved by protoplast transformation (Kastsumata, R. et al. (1984) J. Bacteriol. 159306-311), electroporation (Liebl, E. et al. (1989) FEMS Microbiol. Letters, 53:399-303) and in cases where special vectors are used, also by conjugation (as described e.g. in Schäfer, A et al. (1990) J. Bacteriol. 172:1663-1666). It is also possible to transfer the shuttle vectors for C. glutamicum to E. coli by preparing plasmid DNA from C. glutamicum (using standard methods well-known in the art) and transforming it into E. coli. This transformation step can be performed using standard methods, but it is advantageous to use an Mcr-deficient E. colistrain, such as NM522 (Gough & Murray (1983) J Mol. Biol. 166:1-19).

Example 14 Assessment of the Expression of a Recombinant Gene Product in a Transformed Organism

[0244] The activity of a recombinant gene product in the transformed host organism has been measured on the transcriptional or/and on the translational level.

[0245] A useful method to ascertain the level of transcription of the gene (an indicator of the amount of mRNA available for translation to the gene product) is to perform a Northern blot (for reference see, for example, Ausubel et al. (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), in which a primer designed to bind to the gene of interest is labeled with a detectable tag (usually radioactive or chemiluminescent), such that when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, run on gel, transferred to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the quantity of mRNA for this gene. This information is evidence of the degree of transcription of the transformed gene. Total cellular RNA can be prepared from cells, tissues or organs by several methods, all well-known in the art, such as that described in Bormann, E. R. et al. (1992) Mol. Microbiol. 6: 317-326.

[0246] To assess the presence or relative quantity of protein translated from this mRNA, standard techniques, such as a Western blot, may be employed (see, for example, Ausubel et al. (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York). In this process, total cellular proteins are extracted, separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a matrix such as nitrocellulose, and incubated with a probe, such as an antibody, which specifically binds to the desired protein. This probe is generally tagged with a chemiluminescent or calorimetric label which may be readily detected. The presence and quantity of label observed indicates the presence and quantity of the desired mutant protein present in the cell.

Example 15 Growth of Genetically Modified Corynebacterium Glutamicum—Media and Culture Conditions

[0247] Genetically modified Corynebacteria are cultured in synthetic or natural growth media. A number of different growth media for Corynebacteria are both well-known and readily available (Lieb et al. (1989) App. Microbiol Biotechnol., 32:205-210; von der Osten et al. (1998) Biotechnology Letters, 11:11-16; Patent DE 4,120,867; Liebl (1992) “The Genus Corynebacterium, in: The Procaryotes, Volume II, Balows, A. et al., eds. Springer-Verlag). These media consist of one or more carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, vitamins and trace elements. Preferred carbon sources are sugars, such as mono-, di-, or polysaccharides. For example, glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, ribose, sorbose, ribulose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, raffinose, starch or cellulose serve as very good carbon sources. It is also possible to supply sugar to the media via complex compounds such as molasses or other by-products from sugar refinement. It can also be advantageous to supply mixtures of different carbon sources. Other possible carbon sources are alcohols and organic acids, such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid or lactic acid. Nitrogen sources are usually organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds, or materials which contain these compounds. Exemplary nitrogen sources include ammonia gas or ammonia salts, such as NH₄Cl or (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄OH, nitrates, urea, amino acids or complex nitrogen sources like corn steep liquor, soy bean flour, soy bean protein, yeast extract, meat extract and others.

[0248] Inorganic salt compounds which may be included in the media include the chloride-, phosphorous- or sulfate- salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron. Chelating compounds can be added to the medium to keep the metal ions in solution. Particularly useful chelating compounds include dihydroxyphenols, like catechol or protocatechuate, or organic acids, such as citric acid. It is typical for the media to also contain other growth factors, such as vitamins or growth promoters, examples of which include biotin, riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, nicotinic acid, pantothenate and pyridoxin. Growth factors and salts frequently originate from complex media components such as yeast extract, molasses, corn steep liquor and others. The exact composition of the media compounds depends strongly on the immediate experiment and is individually decided for each specific case. Information about media optimization is available in the textbook “Applied Microbiol. Physiology, A Practical Approach (eds. P. M. Rhodes, P. F. Stanbury, IRL Press (1997) pp. 53-73, ISBN 0 19 963577 3). It is also possible to select growth media from commercial suppliers, like standard 1 (Merck) or BHI (brain heart infusion, DIFC) or others.

[0249] All medium components are sterilized, either by heat (20 minutes at 1.5 bar and 121□C) or by sterile filtration. The components can either be sterilized together or, if necessary, separately. All media components can be present at the beginning of growth, or they can optionally be added continuously or batchwise.

[0250] Culture conditions are defined separately for each experiment. The temperature should be in a range between 15□C and 45□C. The temperature can be kept constant or can be altered during the experiment. The pH of the medium should be in the range of 5 to 8.5, preferably around 7.0, and can be maintained by the addition of buffers to the media. An exemplary buffer for this purpose is a potassium phosphate buffer. Synthetic buffers such as MOPS, HEPES, ACES and others can alternatively or simultaneously be used. It is also possible to maintain a constant culture pH through the addition of NaOH or NH₄OH during growth. If complex medium components such as yeast extract are utilized, the necessity for additional buffers may be reduced, due to the fact that many complex compounds have high buffer capacities. If a fermentor is utilized for culturing the micro-organisms, the pH can also be controlled using gaseous ammonia.

[0251] The incubation time is usually in a range from several hours to several days. This time is selected in order to permit the maximal amount of product to accumulate in the broth. The disclosed growth experiments can be carried out in a variety of vessels, such as microtiter plates, glass tubes, glass flasks or glass or metal fermentors of different sizes. For screening a large number of clones, the microorganisms should be cultured in nmicrotiter plates, glass tubes or shake flasks, either with or without baffles. Preferably 100 ml shake flasks are used, filled with 10% (by volume) of the required growth medium. The flasks should be shaken on a rotary shaker (amplitude 25 mm) using a speed-range of 100 -300 rpm. Evaporation losses can be diminished by the maintenance of a humid atmosphere; alternatively, a mathematical correction for evaporation losses should be performed.

[0252] If genetically modified clones are tested, an unmodified control clone or a control clone containing the basic plasmid without any insert should also be tested. The medium is inoculated to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.5-1.5 using cells grown on agar plates, such as CM plates (10 g/l glucose, 2,5 g/l NaCl, 2 g/l urea, 10 g/l polypeptone, 5 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l meat extract, 22 g/l NaCl, 2 g/l urea, 10 g/l polypeptone, 5 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l meat extract, 22 g/l agar, pH 6.8 with 2M NaOH) that had been incubated at 3□C. Inoculation of the media is accomplished by either introduction of a saline suspension of C. glutamicum cells from CM plates or addition of a liquid preculture of this bacterium.

Example 16 In vitro Analysis of the Function of Physcomitrella Genes in Transgenic Organisms

[0253] The determination of activities and kinetic parameters of enzymes is well established in the art. Experiments to determine the activity of any given altered enzyme must be tailored to the specific activity of the wild-type enzyme, which is well within the ability of one skilled in the art. Overviews about enzymes in general, as well as specific details concerning structure, kinetics, principles, methods, applications and examples for the determination of many enzyme activities may be found, for example, in the following references: Dixon, M., and Webb, E. C., (1979) Enzymes. Longmans: London; Fersht, (1985) Enzyme Structure and Mechanism. Freeman: New York; Walsh, (1979) Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms. Freeman: San Francisco; Price, N. C., Stevens, L. (1982) Fundamentals of Enzymology. Oxford Univ. Press: Oxford; Boyer, P.D., ed. (1983) The Enzymes, 3^(rd) ed. Academic Press: New York; Bisswanger, H., (1994) Enzymkinetik, 2^(nd) nd ed. VCH: Weinheim (ISBN 3527300325); Bergmeyer, H. U., Bergmeyer, J., Graβ1, M., eds. (1983-1986) Methods of Enzymatic Analysis, 3^(rd) ed., vol. I-XII, Verlag Chemie: Weinheim; and Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1987) vol. A9, “Enzymes”. VCH: Weinheim, p. 352-363.

[0254] The activity of proteins which bind to DNA can be measured by several well-established methods, such as DNA band-shift assays (also called gel retardation assays). The effect of such proteins on the expression of other molecules can be measured using reporter gene assays (such as that described in Kolmar, H. et al. (1995) EMBO J. 14: 3895-3904 and references cited therein). Reporter gene test systems are well known and established for applications in both pro- and eukaryotic cells, using enzymes such as beta-galactosidase, green fluorescent protein, and several others.

[0255] The determination of activity of membrane-transport proteins can be performed according to techniques such as those described in Gennis, R. B. (1989) “Pores, Channels and Transporters”, in Biomembranes, Molecular Structure and Function, Springer: Heidelberg, p. 85-137; 199-234; and 270-322.

Example 17 Analysis of Impact of Recombinant Proteins on the Production of the Desired Product

[0256] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, algae, C. glutamicum, fungi, cilates or on production of a desired compound (such as vitamins) can be assessed by growing the modified microorganism or plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular component for increased production of the desired product (i.e. fine chemicals). Such analysis techniques are well known to one skilled in the art, and include spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, staining methods of various kinds, enzymatic and microbiological methods, and analytical chromatography such as high performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A. et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, page 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A. et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F. and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A. and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical separations, in: Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. B3, Chapter 11, page 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications.)

[0257] In addition to the measurement of the final product in plant cells, microorganisms and algae, it is also possible to analyze other components of the metabolic pathways utilized for the production of the desired compound, such as intermediates and side-products, to determine the overall efficiency of production of the compound. Analysis methods include measurements of nutrient levels in the medium (e.g., sugars, hydrocarbons, nitrogen sources, phosphate, and other ions), measurements of biomass composition and growth, analysis of the production of common metabolites of biosynthetic pathways, and measurement of gasses produced during fermentation. Standard methods for these measurements are outlined in Applied Microbial Physiology, A Practical Approach, P. M. Rhodes and P. F. Stanbury, eds., IRL Press, p. 103-129; 131-163; and 165-192 (ISBN: 0199635773) and references cited therein.

[0258] Material to be analyzed can be disintegrated via sonification, glass milling, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. The material has to be centrifuged after disintegration.

[0259] Vitamin E:

[0260] The determination of tocopherols in cells has been either conducted according to Kurilich et al 1999, J. Agric. Food. Chem. 47: 1576-1581 or alternatively as described in Tani Y and Tsumura H 1989 (Agric. Bio. Chem. 53: 305-312).

[0261] Carotenoids:

[0262] The large scale production and purification of carotenoids implies a solution for separation of lipophilic impurities from the host cell which have to be separated from the carotenoids. On a production scale the material has to be desintegrated for the production of oleoresins via centrifugation as known skilled in the art from various production processes or via desintegration followed by evaporation and extraction. Acetone or hexane extraction for 8-12 hours in the dark to avoid carotenoid break down. After removal of the solvent the residue is dissolved in a diethylether-hexane mixture or, in case of hydroxycarotenoids, in acetone-petrol and purified via silica-gel column. Suitable solvent mixtures are diethylether:hexane or petrol (1:4 v/v) for carotenes and acetone:hexane or petrol (1:4 v/v) for hydroxycarotenoids. To determine carotenoid purity in isolated fractions HPLC techniques are most appropriate (Linden et al., FEMS Microbiol. Let. 106:99-104; Piccaglia et al., 1998; Industrial Crops and Products 8:45-51 and references therein).

Example 18 Purification of the Desired Product From Transformed Organisms

[0263] Recovery of the desired product from plants material or fungi, algae, cilates or C. glutamicum cells or supematant of the above-described cultures can be performed by various methods well known in the art. If the desired product is not secreted from the cells. The cells, can be harvested from the culture by low-speed centrifugation, the cells can be lysed by standard techniques, such as mechanical force or sonification. Organs of plants can be separated mechanically from other tissue or organs. Following homogenization cellular debris is removed by centrifugation, and the supernatant fraction containing the soluble proteins is retained for further purification of the desired compound. If the product is secreted from desired cells, then the cells are removed from the culture by low-speed centrifugation, and the supemate fraction is retained for further purification.

[0264] The supernatant fraction from either purification method is subjected to chromatography with a suitable resin, in which the desired molecule is either retained on a chromatography resin while many of the impurities in the sample are not, or where the impurities are retained by the resin while the sample is not. Such chromatography steps may be repeated as necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. One skilled in the art would be well-versed in the selection of appropriate chromatography resins and in their most efficacious application for a particular molecule to be purified. The purified product may be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration, and stored at a temperature at which the stability of the product is maximized.

[0265] There are a wide array of purification methods known to the art and the preceding method of purification is not meant to be limiting. Such purification techniques are described, for example, in Bailey, J. E. & Ollis, D. F. Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill: New York (1986).

[0266] The identity and purity of the isolated compounds may be assessed by techniques standard in the art. These include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopic methods, staining methods, thin layer chromatography, NIRS, enzymatic assay, or microbiologically. Such analysis methods are reviewed in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60: 133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11: 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19: 67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, (1996) vol. A27, VCH: Weinheim, p. 89-90, p. 521-540, p. 540-547, p. 559-566, 575-581 and p. 581-587; Michal, G. (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

Example 19 Generation of Transgenic Brassica napus Plants

[0267] The generation of transgenic oilseed rape plants followed in principle a procedure of Bade, J. B. and Damm, B. (in Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38), which also indicates the composition of the media and buffers used. transformations were done with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains EHA105 and GV3101, respectively. Recombinate plasmids were used for transformation. Seeds of Brassica napus var. Westar were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol (v/v), washed for 10 minutes at 55□C in water, incubated for 20 minutes in 1% strength hypochlorite solution (25% v/v Teepol, 0.1% v/v Tween 20) and washed six times with sterile water for in each case 20 minutes. The seeds were dried for three days on filter paper and 10-15 seeds were germinated in a glass flask containing 15 ml of germination medium. Roots and apices were removed from several seedlings (approx. size 10 cm), and the hypocotyls which remained were cut into sections of approx. length 6 mm. The approx. 600 explants thus obtained were washed for 30 minutes in 50 ml of basal medium and transferred into a 300 ml flask. After addition of 100 ml of callus induction medium, the cultures were incubated for 24 hours at 100 rpm.

[0268] An overnight culture of agrobacterial strain was set up in Luria broth medium supplemented with kanamycin (20 mg/1) at 29□C, and 2 ml of this were incubated in 50 ml of Luria broth medium without kanamycin for 4 hours at 29□C until an OD₆₀₀ of 0.4-0.5 was reached. After the culture had been pelleted for 25 minutes at 2000 rpm, the cell pellet was resuspended in 25 ml of basal medium. The bacterial concentration of the solution was brought to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.3 by adding more basal medium.

[0269] The callus induction medium was removed from the oilseed rape explants using sterile pipettes, 50 ml of agrobacterial solution were added, and the reaction was mixed carefully and incubated for 20 minutes. The agrobacterial suspension was removed, the oilseed rape explants were washed for 1 minute with 50 ml of callus induction medium, and 100 ml of callus induction medium were subsequently added. Coculturing was carried out for 24 hours on an orbital shaker at 100 rpm. Coculturing was stopped by removing the callus induction medium and explants were washed twice for in each case 1 minute with 25 ml and twice for 60 minutes with in each case 100 ml of wash medium at 100 rpm. The wash medium together with the explants was transferred into 15 cm Petri dishes, and the medium was removed using sterile pipettes.

[0270] For regeneration, in each case 20-30 explants were transferred into 90 mm Petri dishes containing 25 ml of shoot induction medium supplemented with kanamycin. The Petri dishes were sealed with 2 layers of Leukopor and incubated at 25□C and 2000 lux at photoperiods of 16 hours light/8 hours darkness. Every 12 days, the calli which developed were transferred to fresh Petri dishes containing shoot induction medium. All further steps for the regeneration of intact plants were carried out as described by Bade, J. B and Damm, B. (in Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38).

Example 20 Generation of Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants

[0271] 10 ml of YEB medium supplemented with antibiotic (5 g/l beef extract, 1 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l peptone, 5 g/l sucrose and 2 mM MgSO₄) were inoculated with a colony of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the culture was grown overnight at 28□C. The cells were pelleted for 20 minutes at 40□C, 3500 rpm, using a bench-top centrifuge and then resuspended under sterile conditions in fresh YEB medium without antibiotics. The cell suspension was used for the transformation.

[0272] The sterile-grown wild-type plants were obtained by vegetative propagation. To this end, only the tip of the plant was cut off and transferred to fresh 2MS medium in a sterile preserving jar. As regards the rest of the plant, the hairs on the upper side of the leaves and the central veins of the leaves were removed. Using a razor blade, the leaves were cut into sections of approximate size 1 cm². The agrobacterial culture was transferred into a small Petri dish (diameter 2 cm). The leaf sections were briefly drawn through this solution and placed with the underside of the leaves on 2MS medium in Petri dishes (diameter 9 cm) in such a way that they touched the medium. After two days in the dark at 25□C, the explants were transferred to plates with callus induction medium and warmed at 28□C in a controlled-environment cabinet. The medium had to be changed every 7-10 days. As soon as calli formed, the explants were transferred into sterile preserving jars onto shoot induction medium supplemented with claforan (0.6% BiTec-Agar (g/v), 2.0 mg/l zeatin ribose, 0.02 mg/l naphthylacetic acid, 0.02 mg/l of gibberellic acid, 0.25 g/ml claforan, 1.6% glucose (g/v) and 50 mg/l kanamycin). Organogenesis started after approximately one month and it was possible to cut off the shoots which had formed. The shoots were grown on 2MS medium supplemented with claforan and selection marker. As soon as substantial root ball had developed, it was possible to pot up the plants in seed compost.

Example 21 Generation of Transgenic A. thaliana Plants

[0273] Wild-type A. thaliana plants (Columbia) were transformed with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (EHA105) on the basis of a modified method (Steve Clough and Andrew Bent. Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium mediated transformation of A. thaliana. Plant J 16(6):735-43, 1998) of the vacuum infiltration method as described by Bechtold and coworkers (Bechtold, N. Ellis, J. and Pelltier, G., in planta Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer by infiltration of adult A. thaliana plants. CRAcad Sci Paris, 1993. 1144(2):204-212).

Example 22 Characterization of the Transgenic Plants

[0274] To confirm that expression of the TCMRP genes affected vitamin E biosynthesis in the transgenic plants, the tocopherol and tocotrienol contents in leaves and seeds of the plants (Arabidopsis. thaliana, Brassica napus and Nicotiana tabacum) which had been transformed with the above-described constructs were analyzed. To this end, the transgenic plants were grown in the greenhouse, and plants which express the gene encoding the TCMRP polypeptides were identified at Northern level. The tocopherol content and the tocotrienol content in leaves and seeds of these plants were determined. In all cases, the tocopherol or tocotrienol concentration is elevated in comparison with untransformed plants.

Example 23 Isolation of Full Length Physcomitrella patens 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260 cDNA

[0275] Utilizing the partial sequence of the Physcomitrella patens clone 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E 12 as probe, an Physcomitrella patens cDNA library was screened by nucleic acid hybridization for full length cDNAs.

[0276] A large number of hybridizing clones were isolated. The isolated cDNA 78_ppprot1 _(—)092_E12-260 (1968 bp) was sequenced completely. 78_ppprot1 _(—)092_E12-260 encodes a 492 amino acid protein.

Example 24 Amplification of the Coding Sequence (ORF) of the Full Length Clone 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260

[0277] The coding sequence (ORF) of the 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260 clone was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequence of the resultant PCR fragment is designated 092-260 cds. The forward and reverse primers (78_ppprot1_(—)092_E125′ and 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E123′, respectively) were designed to add a BamHI site to the 5′ and 3′ end of the resulting amplication product.

[0278] Forward primer 78ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260z_(—)5′:

[0279] GGATCCATCATGGCGGTCAATACCGAGC

[0280] Reverse primer 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260_(—)3′:

[0281] GGATCCCAAGATCATAATGCCTTGTAGGC

[0282] The PCR reaction was conducted in a 50 μl reaction mixture, containing dNTPs (0.2 mM each), 1,5 mM Mg(OAc)₂, 40 pmol 78_pprotl-092_E125′, 40 pmol 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E123′, 15 μ3,3×rTth DNA Polymerase XLPuffer (PE Applied Biosystems), 5U rTth DNA Polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0283] The following conditions were used:

[0284] step 1: 5 minutes 94° C. (denaturation)

[0285] step 2: 3 seconds 94° C.(denaturation)

[0286] step 3: 2 minutes 65° C. (annealing)

[0287] step 4: 1 minutes 72° C. (elongation)

[0288] 40 cycles step 2-4

[0289] step: 5: 10 minutes 72° C.

[0290] The resulting PCR fragment was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-T (Promega) as described in the instructions. The recombinant plasmid (pGEM-Teasy/092-260 cds) was sequenced to confirm the correct amplification.

Example 25 Demonstration of 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase Activity (TMT type II) of 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12 cDNA Clone by Expression and Biochemical Analysis in E.coli

[0291] In order to demonstrate that the clone 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260 encodes a protein involved in tocopherol biosynthesis the cDNA 092-260 cds (cds=coding sequence amplified as described above) was expressed in E.coli and tested for 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase activity.

[0292] Hence, the 092-260 cds BamHI fragment was subcloned in the correct reading frame into the BamHI site of the E.coli pQE30 expression vector (QIAexpress Kit, Qiagen). The resulting plasmid (designated pQE30-092-260 cds, see FIG. 1) was used to transform the E.coli expression host strain M15[pREP4].

[0293] An E.coli colony transformed with the plasmid pQE30-092-260 cds was used to inoculate an overnight culture of Luria broth containing 200 μg/ml ampicillin. In the morning an aliquot of this culture was used to inoculate a 100 ml culture of Luria broth containing 200 μg/ml ampicillin. This culture was incubated in a shaking incubator at 28° C. until the OD₆₀₀ of the culture reached 0.4, at which time isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG) was added to obtain a final concentration of 0.4 mM IPTG. The culture was incubated for additional three hours at 28° C. Afterwards the cells were harvested by centrifugation at 8000g.

[0294] The pellet was resuspended in 600 μl lysis buffer (approximately 1-1.5 ml/g cell pellet, 10 mM HEPES KOH pH 7.8, 5 mM Dithiothreito1 (DTT), 0.24 M Sorbito1). Subsequently Phenylmethylsulfonat (PMSF) was added to a final concentration of 0.15 mM and the homogenate was incubated on ice for 10 minutes.

[0295] The cells were lysed by sonification with a microtip sonicator using several 10 second pulses.

[0296] After adding Triton X100 (f.c. 0.1%) the homogenate was incubated for 30 minutes on ice, and subjected to centrifugation at 25000 g for 30 minutes. The supernatant was saved for methyltransferase assays.

[0297] The 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase assay was performed in a 500 μl volume containing 135 μl (about 300-600 μg total protein) E.coli extract expressing the 092-260 CDNA (prepared as described above), 200 μl (125 mM) Tricine-NaOH pH 8.0, 100 μl (1.25 mM) Sorbitol, 10 μl (50 mM) MgCl₂ and 20μl (250 mM) Ascorbate, 15 μl (0.46 mM ¹⁴C-methyl-S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)) as methyl group-donor and 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol as substrate. The reaction was incubated for four hours at 25° C. in the dark.

[0298] The reaction was stopped by adding 7501 μl Chloroform/Methanol (1:2)+1501 μl 0.9% NaCl. The tube were mixed thoroughly, the phases were separated by centrifugation and the upper part was discarded. The lower part was transferred to a new tube and vaporized under a stream of nitrogen.

[0299] The dried residue was resuspended in 20 μl ether and spotted onto a silica thin layer-chromatography (TLC) plate. The TLC plate was exposed to a phosphoimager screen.

[0300] The result showed that the 092-260cds protein expressed was able to methylate 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol. No radioactive labelling of the substrate was observed in assays using extracts from control cells.

Example 26 Construction of Vectors for Expressing the Physcomitrella 2-Methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase in A. thatiana and Other Plants for Altering the Content of Tocopherols

[0301] In order to manipulate the Vitamin E levels in seeds, the cDNA clone 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260 encoding the Physcomitrella patens 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol-methyltransferase was expressed under the control of a seed specific promoter in transgenic A.thaliana plants. The seed-specific plant gene expression plasmid was constructed using a pBin19 (Bevan, Nucleic Acid Research 12: 8711-8720, 1984) derivative. The plasrnid contains the Vicia faba seed specific promotor from the Legumin B4 gene (Bäumlein et al., Nucleic Acids Research 14: 2707-2719, 1996), the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the N. tabacum Transketolase (TkTp) (Badur, R., 1998, PhD thesis, Georg August University of Göttingen, Germany, “Molecular and functional analysis of isoenzymes for example of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglucose-isomerase and 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptusolonate-7-phosphate synthase” [“Molekularbiologische und funktionelle Analyse von pflanzlichen Isoenzymen am Beispiel der Fructose-1,6-bisphosphat Aldolase, Phosphoglucose-Isomerase und der 3-Deoxy-D-Arabino-Heptusolonat-7-Phosphat Synthase”]) and the transcriptional termination sequence from the octopin synthase gene (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3: 835-846, 1984). The cDNA 092-260 cds was cloned in sense orientation as a BamnHI fragment into the BamHI site of the pBin-LePTkTp9 vector. The created plasmid was designated pBinLePTkTp9-092-260 cds. Due to the cloning in the correct reading frame, the cDNA 092-260 cds was fused to the TkTp transit peptide, which governs the translocation of the 092-260 cds protein into plastids.

[0302] A recombinant plasmid was obtained and designated pBin-LePTkTp9-092-260 cds (see FIG. 2). This seed-specific 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E12-260 plant gene expression construct (pBin-LePTkTp9-092-260 cds) was used to transform wild type, A.thaliana plants

Example 27 Isolation of Full Length Physcomitrella patens 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 cDNA

[0303] Utilizing the partial sequence of the Physcomitrella patens clone 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12 as probe, an Physcomitrella patens cDNA library was screened by nucleic acid hybridization for full length cDNAs.

[0304] A large number of hybridizing clones were isolated. The isolated cDNA 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 (1867 bp) was sequenced completely. 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 encodes a 371 amino acid protein.

Example 28

[0305] Amplification of the coding sequence (ORF) of the full length clone 78_pprot1_(—)087_E12-259

[0306] The coding sequences (ORF) of the 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 clone with homology to the γ-Tocopherol-methyltransferases (designated 087-259Cterm) was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The forward and reverse primers (78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259_(—)5′ and 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259_(—)3′, respectively) were designed to add a BamHI site to the 5′ and 3′ end of the resulting amplication product.

[0307] Forward primer 78_pprotl_(—)087_E12-259_(—)5′

[0308] GGATCCCGGACGGAGCCGGAGCTTTACG

[0309] Reverse primer 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259_(—)3′

[0310] GGATCCCTACTAGCGGAGACCTCAATCC

[0311] The PCR reaction was conducted in a 50 82 l reaction mixture, containing dNTPs (0.2 mM each), 1,5 mM Mg(OAc)₂, 40 pmol 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E125′, 40 pmol 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E123′, 15 μl 3,3×rTth DNA Polymerase XLPuffer (PE Applied Biosystems), 5U rTth DNA Polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0312] The following conditions were used:

[0313] step 1: 5 minutes 94° C. (denaturation)

[0314] step 2: 3 seconds 94° C.(denaturation)

[0315] step 3: 2 minutes 65° C. (annealing)

[0316] step 4: 2 minutes 72° C. (elongation)

[0317] 40 cycles step 2-4

[0318] step: 5: 10 minutes 72° C.

[0319] The resulting PCR fragment was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-T (Promega) as described in the instruction. The recombinant plasmid (pGEM-Teasy/087-259C-term) was sequenced to confirm the correct amplification.

Example 29 Demonstration of γ-Tocopherol-Methyltransferase Activity of 087-259Cterm cDNA Clone by Expression and Biochemical Analysis in E.coli

[0320] In order to demonstrate that the clone 087-259Cterm (amplified as described above) encodes a protein involved in tocopherol biosynthesis the cDNA 087-259Cterm was expressed in E.coli and tested for γ-Tocopherol methyltransferase activity. Hence, the 087-259Cterm BamHI fragment was subcloned in the correct reading frame into the BamHI site of the E. coli pQE30 expression vector (QIAexpress Kit, Qiagen). The resulting plasmid (designated pQE30-087-259Cterm, see FIG. 3) was used to transform the E.coli expression host strain M15[pREP4].

[0321] An E.coli colony transformed with the plasmid pQE30-087-259Cterm was used to inoculate an overnight culture of Luria broth containing 200 μg/ml ampicillin. In the morning an aliquot of this culture was used to inoculate a 100 ml culture of Luria broth containing 200 μg/ml ampicillin. This culture was incubated in a shaking incubator at 28° C. until the OD₆₀₀ of the culture reached 0.4, at which time isopropyl-β-D-thiogalaktopyranosid (IPTG) was added to obtain a final concentration of 0.4 mM IPTG.

[0322] The culture was incubated for additional three hours at 28° C. Afterwards the cells were harvested by centrifugation at 8000 g.

[0323] The pellet was resuspended in 600 μl lysisbuffer (approximately 1-1.5 ml/g cell pellet, 10 mM HEPES KOH pH 7.8, 5 mM Dithiothreitol (DTT), 0.24 M Sorbitol). Subsequently Phenylmethylsulfonat (PMSF) was added to a final concentration of 0.15 mM and incubated on ice for 10 minutes.

[0324] The cells were lysed by sonification with a microtip sonicator using several 10 second pulses. After adding Triton X100 (f.c. 0.1%) the homogenate was incubated for 30 minutes on ice, and subjected to centrifugation at 25000 g for 30 minutes

[0325] The supernatant of this extract was assayed for γ-tocopherol-methyltransferase activity as follows.

[0326] The γ-Tocopherol-methyltransferase assay was performed in a 500 μl volume containing 135 μl (about 300-600 μg total protein) E.coli extract expressing the 087-259 cDNA (prepared as described above), 200 μl (125 mM) Tricine-NaOH pH 7.6, 100 μl (1.25 mM) Sorbitol, 10μg (50 mM) MgCl₂ and 20 μl (250 mM) Ascorbate, 15 μl (0.46 mM ¹⁴C-methyl-S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)) as methyl group donor and 4,8 mM γ-Tocopherol as substrate. The reaction was incubated for four hours at 25° C. in the dark.

[0327] The reaction was stopped by adding 750 μl Chloroform/Methanol (1:2)+150 μl 0.9% NaCl. The tube were mixed thoroughly, the phases were separated by centrifugation and the upper part was discarded. The lower part was transferred to a new tube and vaporized under a stream of nitrogen.

[0328] The dried residue was resuspended in 20 μl ether and spotted onto a silica thin layer-chromatography (TLC) plate. The TLC plate was exposed to a phosphoimager screen.

[0329] The result shows that the in E.coli expressed 087-259Cterm protein was able to methylate γ-Tocopherol. No radioactive labelling of the substrate was observed in assays using extracts from control cells.

Example 30 Construction of Vectors for Expressing the Physcomitrella patens γ-Tocopherol-methyltransferase in A.thaliana and Other Plants for Altering the Content of Tocopherols

[0330] In order to manipulate the Vitamin E levels in seeds, the cDNA clone 78_ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 encoding the Physcomitrella patens γ-tocopherol-methyltransferase was expressed under the control of a seed specific promoter in transgenic A.thaliana plants. The seed-specific plant gene expression plasmid was constructed using a pBin19 (Bevan, Nucleic Acid Research 12: 8711-8720, 1984) derivative. The plasmid contains the Vicia faba seed specific promotor from the Legumin B4 gene (Bäumlein et al., Nucleic Acids Research 14: 2707-2719, 1996), the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the N. tabacum Transketolase (TkTp) (Badur, R., Ph.D thesis, 1998, Georg August University of Göbttingen, Germany, ,“Molecular and functional analysis of isoenzymes for example of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglucose-isomerase and 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptusolonate-7-phosphate synthase” [“Molekularbiologische und funktionelle Analyse von pflanzlichen Isoenzymen am Beispiel der Fructose-1,6-bisphosphat Aldolase, Phosphoglucose-Isomerase und der 3-Deoxy-D-Arabino-Heptusolonat-7-Phosphat Synthase”]) and the transcriptional termination sequence from the octopin synthase gene (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3: 835-846, 1984). The cDNA 087-259Cterm was cloned in sense orientation as a BamHI fragment into the BamHI site of the pBin-LePTkTp9 vector. The created plasmid was designated pBinLePTkTp9-87-259Cterm. Due to the cloning in the correct reading frame the cDNA 087-259Cterm was fused to the TkTp transit peptide which governs the translocation of the 087-259Cterm protein into plastids. A recombinant plasmid designated pBin-LePTkTp9-087-259Cterm was obtained (see FIG. 4). This seed-specific 78₁₃ ppprot1_(—)087_E12-259 plant gene expression construct (pBin-LePTkTp9-087-259Cterm) was used to transform wild type A. thaliana plants.

Equivalents

[0331] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Legends to the Figurs:

[0332]FIG. 1: Expression vector pQE30 harboring the coding sequence of full length clone 78_ppprot1_(—)092_E 12-260 resluting in vector pQE30-092-260 cds

[0333]FIG. 2: Plant transformation vector pBinLePTkTp9-092-260 cds with abbreviations as follows:

[0334] LeB4: Vicia faba legumin B4 gene promoter (2700 bp)

[0335] TKTP: Sequence encoding the N.tabacum transketolase transit peptide (245 bp)

[0336] 092-260 cds: Sequence of the cDNA clone 092-260 cds (1490 bp)

[0337] OCS: Octopin synthase transcritional termination signal (219 bp)

[0338]FIG. 3: Expression vector pQE30 harboring the coding sequence of full length clone 78_ppprot1_(—087)_E12-259 resluting in vector pQE30-087-259Cterm

[0339]FIG. 4: Plant transformation vector pBinLePTkTp9-092-260 cds with abbreviations as follows:

[0340] LeB4: Vici afaba legumin B4 gene promoter (2700 bp)

[0341] TKTP: Sequence encoding the N.tabacum transketolase transit peptide (245 bp)

[0342] 092-260 cds: Sequence of the cDNA clone 092-260 cds (1490 bp)

[0343] OCS: Octopin synthase transcritional termination signal (219 bp)

[0344] Table 1: Enzymes involved in production of tocopherols and/or carotenoids, the accession/entry number of the corresponding partial nucleic acid molecules, the corresponding longest clones and the position of open reading frames.

[0345] Appendix A: Nucleic acid sequences encoding for TCMRPs (Tocopherol and Caotenoid Metabolism Related protein)

[0346] Appendix B: TCMRP polypeptide sequences

1 82 1 560 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (66)..(257) 84_ppprot1_50_f12rev 1 gcttatggtc aggaagtgaa tgagcatggg aaggttgaca atgcaaggta caagatcgat 60 cctga cct tgc ggg cgc tct tta cga gga ctg ggt tat gcc ttt gac caa 110 Pro Cys Gly Arg Ser Leu Arg Gly Leu Gly Tyr Ala Phe Asp Gln 1 5 10 15 gca ggt cca ggt ggc cta tct tct ccg acg tct gga ctg acg tca ttt 158 Ala Gly Pro Gly Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Thr Ser Gly Leu Thr Ser Phe 20 25 30 aac tcg tgg cag ata gtc aag ttg aag agg atc atc act gac ata gcc 206 Asn Ser Trp Gln Ile Val Lys Leu Lys Arg Ile Ile Thr Asp Ile Ala 35 40 45 cat tgt ggc ctc ttc act cgt gag tta gcc tgt gta cag aaa aca ttt 254 His Cys Gly Leu Phe Thr Arg Glu Leu Ala Cys Val Gln Lys Thr Phe 50 55 60 tag tctcattttt ttgcatagaa gcaccatcga ttgcttcttg cttccaagtc 307 cagttttagc gcattcattt ccctggtgag catactttca acataaagat ctccacctcc 367 gaggttgagc cagtacgcct agattctgtg aatcagcaac ggccaaagct tttcttctct 427 ggataggtca gtcaatgcat acacttggca tacatacacc atgcggtgtt agtgcttttt 487 tttcgctatc aaccgaggtt ttactgctta tgtgcaataa gagcagccaa tacctgcaag 547 ttttttctaa aaa 560 2 63 PRT Physcomitrella patens 2 Pro Cys Gly Arg Ser Leu Arg Gly Leu Gly Tyr Ala Phe Asp Gln Ala 1 5 10 15 Gly Pro Gly Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Thr Ser Gly Leu Thr Ser Phe Asn 20 25 30 Ser Trp Gln Ile Val Lys Leu Lys Arg Ile Ile Thr Asp Ile Ala His 35 40 45 Cys Gly Leu Phe Thr Arg Glu Leu Ala Cys Val Gln Lys Thr Phe 50 55 60 3 454 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(439) 41_bd10_g03rev 3 t caa aat cgg aaa atg gga acg gaa gtt aag ctc act aat gga aac acc 49 Gln Asn Arg Lys Met Gly Thr Glu Val Lys Leu Thr Asn Gly Asn Thr 1 5 10 15 gtc act gca cct gcc gga gaa cag act agt tcc gcc tac aag cta gtt 97 Val Thr Ala Pro Ala Gly Glu Gln Thr Ser Ser Ala Tyr Lys Leu Val 20 25 30 ggc ttc gaa aac ttc gtc cgg aac aac cct atg tcc gac aaa ttt aca 145 Gly Phe Glu Asn Phe Val Arg Asn Asn Pro Met Ser Asp Lys Phe Thr 35 40 45 gtc aaa agc ttc cac cat gtt gag ttc tgg tgc tcc gac gcc acc aac 193 Val Lys Ser Phe His His Val Glu Phe Trp Cys Ser Asp Ala Thr Asn 50 55 60 acc gcc cgc cgt ttc tcc tgg gga ctc ggt atg cca atc gtt tac aag 241 Thr Ala Arg Arg Phe Ser Trp Gly Leu Gly Met Pro Ile Val Tyr Lys 65 70 75 80 tcc gat tta tct acc gga aac aat atc cac gct tct tac ctc ctc cgc 289 Ser Asp Leu Ser Thr Gly Asn Asn Ile His Ala Ser Tyr Leu Leu Arg 85 90 95 tcc ggt cac ctc aat ttc ctc ttt acc gct cct tat tct cct tcc ata 337 Ser Gly His Leu Asn Phe Leu Phe Thr Ala Pro Tyr Ser Pro Ser Ile 100 105 110 tcc acc gcc acc gct tcc att cct acg ttt tct cac acc gac tgc cgc 385 Ser Thr Ala Thr Ala Ser Ile Pro Thr Phe Ser His Thr Asp Cys Arg 115 120 125 aac ttc acc gcc tct cac ggt ttt ggt gtc cgc tcg att gct att gaa 433 Asn Phe Thr Ala Ser His Gly Phe Gly Val Arg Ser Ile Ala Ile Glu 130 135 140 gtt gaa gatgccgacc nagct 454 Val Glu 145 4 146 PRT Physcomitrella patens 4 Gln Asn Arg Lys Met Gly Thr Glu Val Lys Leu Thr Asn Gly Asn Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Thr Ala Pro Ala Gly Glu Gln Thr Ser Ser Ala Tyr Lys Leu Val 20 25 30 Gly Phe Glu Asn Phe Val Arg Asn Asn Pro Met Ser Asp Lys Phe Thr 35 40 45 Val Lys Ser Phe His His Val Glu Phe Trp Cys Ser Asp Ala Thr Asn 50 55 60 Thr Ala Arg Arg Phe Ser Trp Gly Leu Gly Met Pro Ile Val Tyr Lys 65 70 75 80 Ser Asp Leu Ser Thr Gly Asn Asn Ile His Ala Ser Tyr Leu Leu Arg 85 90 95 Ser Gly His Leu Asn Phe Leu Phe Thr Ala Pro Tyr Ser Pro Ser Ile 100 105 110 Ser Thr Ala Thr Ala Ser Ile Pro Thr Phe Ser His Thr Asp Cys Arg 115 120 125 Asn Phe Thr Ala Ser His Gly Phe Gly Val Arg Ser Ile Ala Ile Glu 130 135 140 Val Glu 145 5 565 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(563) 58_mm15_b11rev 5 ga ttt gca atg gac cga gct ggg ctc gtt gga gcc gat ggg cct act 47 Phe Ala Met Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr 1 5 10 15 cac tgt ggg gct ttc gat gtc acc tac atg gcc tgc cta cct aac atg 95 His Cys Gly Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met 20 25 30 gtt gta atg gct cct gct gat gaa gct gag ctt ttc cac atg gta gca 143 Val Val Met Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala 35 40 45 act gct gcc gct att gat gac cgt ccc agc tgt ttc agg tat ccc aga 191 Thr Ala Ala Ala Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg 50 55 60 ggt aac ggg att ggt gtc caa ttg cct gca aag aac aaa gga att cct 239 Gly Asn Gly Ile Gly Val Gln Leu Pro Ala Lys Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro 65 70 75 att gag gtc ggt aga ggg cga att cta ctg gaa ggt act gaa gtg gca 287 Ile Glu Val Gly Arg Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala 80 85 90 95 ctt cta ggt tat ggt aca atg gtc caa aat tgc ctg gct gct cac gtc 335 Leu Leu Gly Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala His Val 100 105 110 tta ctt gcc gac ctg ggg gtc tca gcg act gtc gcc gat gct cgg ttt 383 Leu Leu Ala Asp Leu Gly Val Ser Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe 115 120 125 tgc aag ccc ctt gac cgt gat ctt att cgc cag ctt gct aag aac cat 431 Cys Lys Pro Leu Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His 130 135 140 caa gtg ctt att aca gtg gaa gag ggt tct att gga ggc ttt ggt tct 479 Gln Val Leu Ile Thr Val Glu Glu Gly Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Gly Ser 145 150 155 cat gtt gtg caa ttc atg gca ttg gat ggg ctc ctc gac gga aag ctg 527 His Val Val Gln Phe Met Ala Leu Asp Gly Leu Leu Asp Gly Lys Leu 160 165 170 175 aag tgg aga cca ctt gtg cta cct gac cgc tac atc ga 565 Lys Trp Arg Pro Leu Val Leu Pro Asp Arg Tyr Ile 180 185 6 187 PRT Physcomitrella patens 6 Phe Ala Met Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr His 1 5 10 15 Cys Gly Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met Val 20 25 30 Val Met Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala Thr 35 40 45 Ala Ala Ala Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg Gly 50 55 60 Asn Gly Ile Gly Val Gln Leu Pro Ala Lys Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro Ile 65 70 75 80 Glu Val Gly Arg Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala Leu 85 90 95 Leu Gly Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala His Val Leu 100 105 110 Leu Ala Asp Leu Gly Val Ser Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe Cys 115 120 125 Lys Pro Leu Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His Gln 130 135 140 Val Leu Ile Thr Val Glu Glu Gly Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Gly Ser His 145 150 155 160 Val Val Gln Phe Met Ala Leu Asp Gly Leu Leu Asp Gly Lys Leu Lys 165 170 175 Trp Arg Pro Leu Val Leu Pro Asp Arg Tyr Ile 180 185 7 630 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (38)..(394) 10_ppprot1_092_b08rev 7 gattngcaat ggatcgtgct gntcttgttg gagctga tgg cca act cac tgt gga 55 Trp Pro Thr His Cys Gly 1 5 gcg ttc gat gta acc tac atg gct tgt cta cct aat atg gta gtc atg 103 Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met Val Val Met 10 15 20 gct cct gct gac gaa gcg gaa ctt ttc cac atg gtg gcc act gct gct 151 Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala Thr Ala Ala 25 30 35 caa att gat gat cga cct agt tgt ttc agg tat cca agg ggt aac gga 199 Gln Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg Gly Asn Gly 40 45 50 atc ggt gcc cag ttg cct gag aat aac aag ggg atc ccc gtc gag att 247 Ile Gly Ala Gln Leu Pro Glu Asn Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro Val Glu Ile 55 60 65 70 ggt aaa gga aga att cta tta gaa ggt acg gaa gtg gca ctt ttg ggt 295 Gly Lys Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala Leu Leu Gly 75 80 85 tat ggc acc atg gtc cag aat tgt ctg gct gct cgc gca tta ctt gcc 343 Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala Arg Ala Leu Leu Ala 90 95 100 gac ttg ggt gtt gcg gcg act gtt gct gat gct agg ttc tgc aag ccc 391 Asp Leu Gly Val Ala Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe Cys Lys Pro 105 110 115 ctt taaatgaaat ctgaaaggtt aggaataggt gctgctgctc tgaaatcgga 444 Leu gcagtcggat gttctgtggg gagttagagg cctgttccgt tagggaggat aattttccct 504 tcagtacggt gcatcgaact tagacatggc aaattttgta ccctacacac tcttgtaaat 564 tattcgtggt gatcacctca ttaataagtg aaatgggacc gaacttgacc cttcactttt 624 tcaaaa 630 8 119 PRT Physcomitrella patens 8 Trp Pro Thr His Cys Gly Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu 1 5 10 15 Pro Asn Met Val Val Met Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His 20 25 30 Met Val Ala Thr Ala Ala Gln Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg 35 40 45 Tyr Pro Arg Gly Asn Gly Ile Gly Ala Gln Leu Pro Glu Asn Asn Lys 50 55 60 Gly Ile Pro Val Glu Ile Gly Lys Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr 65 70 75 80 Glu Val Ala Leu Leu Gly Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ala Leu Leu Ala Asp Leu Gly Val Ala Ala Thr Val Ala Asp 100 105 110 Ala Arg Phe Cys Lys Pro Leu 115 9 534 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(533) 68_ck12_d10fwd 9 ag cct ttt tgt agt atc tat tcc tcc ttc ctt caa aga gga tat gac 47 Pro Phe Cys Ser Ile Tyr Ser Ser Phe Leu Gln Arg Gly Tyr Asp 1 5 10 15 cag gtt gta cac gat gta gat ctg cag aaa ttg cca gtc cga ttt gca 95 Gln Val Val His Asp Val Asp Leu Gln Lys Leu Pro Val Arg Phe Ala 20 25 30 atg gat cgt gct ggt ctt gtt gga gct gat ggg cca act cac tgt gga 143 Met Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr His Cys Gly 35 40 45 gcg ttc gat gta acc tac atg gct tgt cta cct aat atg gta gtc atg 191 Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met Val Val Met 50 55 60 gct cct gct gac gaa gcg gaa ctt ttc cac atg gtg gcc act gct gct 239 Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala Thr Ala Ala 65 70 75 caa att gat gat cga cct agt tgt ttc agg tat cca agg ggt aac gga 287 Gln Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg Gly Asn Gly 80 85 90 95 atc ggt gcc cag ttg cct gag aat aac aag ggg atc ccc gtc gag att 335 Ile Gly Ala Gln Leu Pro Glu Asn Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 ggt aaa gga aga att cta tta gaa ggt acg gaa gtg gca ctt ttg ggt 383 Gly Lys Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala Leu Leu Gly 115 120 125 tat ggc acc atg gtc cag aat tgt ctg gct gct cgc gca tta ctt gcc 431 Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala Arg Ala Leu Leu Ala 130 135 140 gac ttg ggt gtt gcg gcg act gtt gct gat gct agg ttc tgc aag ccc 479 Asp Leu Gly Val Ala Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe Cys Lys Pro 145 150 155 ctt gac cga gat ctt att cgt caa ctt gcg aag aac cac caa gtg att 527 Leu Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His Gln Val Ile 160 165 170 175 ata acc c 534 Ile Thr 10 177 PRT Physcomitrella patens 10 Pro Phe Cys Ser Ile Tyr Ser Ser Phe Leu Gln Arg Gly Tyr Asp Gln 1 5 10 15 Val Val His Asp Val Asp Leu Gln Lys Leu Pro Val Arg Phe Ala Met 20 25 30 Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr His Cys Gly Ala 35 40 45 Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met Val Val Met Ala 50 55 60 Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala Thr Ala Ala Gln 65 70 75 80 Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg Gly Asn Gly Ile 85 90 95 Gly Ala Gln Leu Pro Glu Asn Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro Val Glu Ile Gly 100 105 110 Lys Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala Leu Leu Gly Tyr 115 120 125 Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala Arg Ala Leu Leu Ala Asp 130 135 140 Leu Gly Val Ala Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe Cys Lys Pro Leu 145 150 155 160 Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His Gln Val Ile Ile 165 170 175 Thr 11 567 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(118) 39_ck27_g02fwdrev 11 c atc gag cat ggg gct ccc aag gac cag tat gcc gaa gca ggt cta act 49 Ile Glu His Gly Ala Pro Lys Asp Gln Tyr Ala Glu Ala Gly Leu Thr 1 5 10 15 gcg ggt cac att gca gcc act gca ctg aac gtt ctc ggg aag acg aga 97 Ala Gly His Ile Ala Ala Thr Ala Leu Asn Val Leu Gly Lys Thr Arg 20 25 30 gaa gcg ctg caa gtc atg acc taagatcttc gtggttaaga tatggtgaat 148 Glu Ala Leu Gln Val Met Thr 35 tcgttgcgaa ctatgatcca gtcgacgacg ggcttctcat caatcaaagc attacccaga 208 ttgcatgtct gaacatgcca tgtaatgaac atattctggt ctactgttcg tctccttaaa 268 tttacaaggc aacttctatc atttgctgat tgcttagcag acttgaagat agggtcttac 328 tcgaaagctg aaacgttgaa tatagatgct gctactctaa aattagagca gttggatggt 388 ttctaggcag ttatttggta tgctacgcca tggagggcaa tccgtactgc actgctgtag 448 gctttgagcc taaacaatgc caaagtttgt actttacaca ctcttgtaca ctatagtttg 508 atcattccca tttaataact gtaatggggt gcatgatgac tctttttctc aaaaaaaaa 567 12 39 PRT Physcomitrella patens 12 Ile Glu His Gly Ala Pro Lys Asp Gln Tyr Ala Glu Ala Gly Leu Thr 1 5 10 15 Ala Gly His Ile Ala Ala Thr Ala Leu Asn Val Leu Gly Lys Thr Arg 20 25 30 Glu Ala Leu Gln Val Met Thr 35 13 523 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(521) 68_mm17 _D10rev 13 ga ttt gca atg gac cga gct ggg ctc gtt gga gcc gat ggg cct act 47 Phe Ala Met Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr 1 5 10 15 cac tgt ggg gct ttc gat gtc acc tac atg gcc tgc cta cct aac atg 95 His Cys Gly Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met 20 25 30 gtt gta atg gct cct gct gat gaa gct gag ctt ttc cac atg gta gca 143 Val Val Met Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala 35 40 45 act gct gcc gct att gat gac cgt ccc agc tgt ttc agg tat ccc aga 191 Thr Ala Ala Ala Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg 50 55 60 ggt aac ggg att ggt gtc caa ttg cct gca aag aac aaa gga att cct 239 Gly Asn Gly Ile Gly Val Gln Leu Pro Ala Lys Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro 65 70 75 att gag gtc ggt aga ggg cga att cta ctg gaa ggt act gaa gtg gca 287 Ile Glu Val Gly Arg Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala 80 85 90 95 ctt cta ggt tat ggt aca atg gtc caa aat tgc ctg gct gct cac gtc 335 Leu Leu Gly Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala His Val 100 105 110 tta ctt gcc gac ctg ggg gtc tca gcg act gtc gcc gat gct cgg ttt 383 Leu Leu Ala Asp Leu Gly Val Ser Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe 115 120 125 tgc aag ccc ctt gac cgt gat ctt att cgc cag ctt gct aag aac cat 431 Cys Lys Pro Leu Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His 130 135 140 caa gtg ctt att aca gtg gaa gag ggt tct att gga ggc ttt ggt tct 479 Gln Val Leu Ile Thr Val Glu Glu Gly Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Gly Ser 145 150 155 cat gtt gtg caa ttc atg gca ttg gat ggg ctc ctc gac gga aa 523 His Val Val Gln Phe Met Ala Leu Asp Gly Leu Leu Asp Gly 160 165 170 14 173 PRT Physcomitrella patens 14 Phe Ala Met Asp Arg Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly Pro Thr His 1 5 10 15 Cys Gly Ala Phe Asp Val Thr Tyr Met Ala Cys Leu Pro Asn Met Val 20 25 30 Val Met Ala Pro Ala Asp Glu Ala Glu Leu Phe His Met Val Ala Thr 35 40 45 Ala Ala Ala Ile Asp Asp Arg Pro Ser Cys Phe Arg Tyr Pro Arg Gly 50 55 60 Asn Gly Ile Gly Val Gln Leu Pro Ala Lys Asn Lys Gly Ile Pro Ile 65 70 75 80 Glu Val Gly Arg Gly Arg Ile Leu Leu Glu Gly Thr Glu Val Ala Leu 85 90 95 Leu Gly Tyr Gly Thr Met Val Gln Asn Cys Leu Ala Ala His Val Leu 100 105 110 Leu Ala Asp Leu Gly Val Ser Ala Thr Val Ala Asp Ala Arg Phe Cys 115 120 125 Lys Pro Leu Asp Arg Asp Leu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Lys Asn His Gln 130 135 140 Val Leu Ile Thr Val Glu Glu Gly Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Gly Ser His 145 150 155 160 Val Val Gln Phe Met Ala Leu Asp Gly Leu Leu Asp Gly 165 170 15 510 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(452) 93_ck10_h05fwdrev 15 tt tca ttg cag tcc tat tca tta gaa aag tat ttg cct ttg ttg gca 47 Ser Leu Gln Ser Tyr Ser Leu Glu Lys Tyr Leu Pro Leu Leu Ala 1 5 10 15 tgc aga ctc ata ggg tta gta gag cga tgg aat cgt cac gca gga gaa 95 Cys Arg Leu Ile Gly Leu Val Glu Arg Trp Asn Arg His Ala Gly Glu 20 25 30 cca cag gtt gcc tac acg ttt gat gct ggt ccg aat gcg gta atg ttt 143 Pro Gln Val Ala Tyr Thr Phe Asp Ala Gly Pro Asn Ala Val Met Phe 35 40 45 gcc aag aac aaa gaa gtt gca gcg cag ctg ctt cag cgc ctt ctg tac 191 Ala Lys Asn Lys Glu Val Ala Ala Gln Leu Leu Gln Arg Leu Leu Tyr 50 55 60 cag ttc cct cca tcc gcg gat act gat att tcc aga tat gtt cac ggc 239 Gln Phe Pro Pro Ser Ala Asp Thr Asp Ile Ser Arg Tyr Val His Gly 65 70 75 gat caa agt att ttg gag tct gct ggc gtg aat tcc ttg aag gac atc 287 Asp Gln Ser Ile Leu Glu Ser Ala Gly Val Asn Ser Leu Lys Asp Ile 80 85 90 95 gac tcc ctt tct gcg cca gct gag gtg gct ggc att ccc aat ttg cag 335 Asp Ser Leu Ser Ala Pro Ala Glu Val Ala Gly Ile Pro Asn Leu Gln 100 105 110 agg ata cct gga gag gtt gac tat ctc ata tgc act aat gtt ggg aaa 383 Arg Ile Pro Gly Glu Val Asp Tyr Leu Ile Cys Thr Asn Val Gly Lys 115 120 125 ggt gca tat gta ttg ggc gag cag ggt gca aac ctg ata gac cct gtt 431 Gly Ala Tyr Val Leu Gly Glu Gln Gly Ala Asn Leu Ile Asp Pro Val 130 135 140 tct ggt ctt ctg aaa aag taa tagcatttag tatcaggtgc taatttgttc 482 Ser Gly Leu Leu Lys Lys 145 tggatcaagc tcgctccatc atgctaat 510 16 149 PRT Physcomitrella patens 16 Ser Leu Gln Ser Tyr Ser Leu Glu Lys Tyr Leu Pro Leu Leu Ala Cys 1 5 10 15 Arg Leu Ile Gly Leu Val Glu Arg Trp Asn Arg His Ala Gly Glu Pro 20 25 30 Gln Val Ala Tyr Thr Phe Asp Ala Gly Pro Asn Ala Val Met Phe Ala 35 40 45 Lys Asn Lys Glu Val Ala Ala Gln Leu Leu Gln Arg Leu Leu Tyr Gln 50 55 60 Phe Pro Pro Ser Ala Asp Thr Asp Ile Ser Arg Tyr Val His Gly Asp 65 70 75 80 Gln Ser Ile Leu Glu Ser Ala Gly Val Asn Ser Leu Lys Asp Ile Asp 85 90 95 Ser Leu Ser Ala Pro Ala Glu Val Ala Gly Ile Pro Asn Leu Gln Arg 100 105 110 Ile Pro Gly Glu Val Asp Tyr Leu Ile Cys Thr Asn Val Gly Lys Gly 115 120 125 Ala Tyr Val Leu Gly Glu Gln Gly Ala Asn Leu Ile Asp Pro Val Ser 130 135 140 Gly Leu Leu Lys Lys 145 17 409 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (1)..(408) 66_bd09_c12rev 17 aat gtt ctt gat tac ctt caa acc gat ttc ccc gat atg gat gtc atg 48 Asn Val Leu Asp Tyr Leu Gln Thr Asp Phe Pro Asp Met Asp Val Met 1 5 10 15 ggc att tct gga aac tat tgc tcg gac aag aaa ccg gct gcg gtg aac 96 Gly Ile Ser Gly Asn Tyr Cys Ser Asp Lys Lys Pro Ala Ala Val Asn 20 25 30 tgg ata gaa ggg cgt ggt aaa tct gtg gtt tgt gaa gct gtg atc aag 144 Trp Ile Glu Gly Arg Gly Lys Ser Val Val Cys Glu Ala Val Ile Lys 35 40 45 gaa gag gtg gtg agc aag gtt ttg aaa acc aat gta gcc agt ttg gtc 192 Glu Glu Val Val Ser Lys Val Leu Lys Thr Asn Val Ala Ser Leu Val 50 55 60 gaa ctt aac atg ctc aag aac cta acc ggg tca gcc atg gct ggt gca 240 Glu Leu Asn Met Leu Lys Asn Leu Thr Gly Ser Ala Met Ala Gly Ala 65 70 75 80 ctt ggt ggg ttc aat gcg cat gct agc aat ata gtc tcg gct ata tat 288 Leu Gly Gly Phe Asn Ala His Ala Ser Asn Ile Val Ser Ala Ile Tyr 85 90 95 ata gcc acc ggt caa gac cca gcc cag aat gtc gag agt tct cac tgc 336 Ile Ala Thr Gly Gln Asp Pro Ala Gln Asn Val Glu Ser Ser His Cys 100 105 110 atc acc atg atg gaa gcc att aac aat gga aaa gat ctc cat atc tca 384 Ile Thr Met Met Glu Ala Ile Asn Asn Gly Lys Asp Leu His Ile Ser 115 120 125 gtc acc atg cct tct att gan gtt g 409 Val Thr Met Pro Ser Ile Xaa Val 130 135 18 136 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 135 Xaa is Glu or Asp. 18 Asn Val Leu Asp Tyr Leu Gln Thr Asp Phe Pro Asp Met Asp Val Met 1 5 10 15 Gly Ile Ser Gly Asn Tyr Cys Ser Asp Lys Lys Pro Ala Ala Val Asn 20 25 30 Trp Ile Glu Gly Arg Gly Lys Ser Val Val Cys Glu Ala Val Ile Lys 35 40 45 Glu Glu Val Val Ser Lys Val Leu Lys Thr Asn Val Ala Ser Leu Val 50 55 60 Glu Leu Asn Met Leu Lys Asn Leu Thr Gly Ser Ala Met Ala Gly Ala 65 70 75 80 Leu Gly Gly Phe Asn Ala His Ala Ser Asn Ile Val Ser Ala Ile Tyr 85 90 95 Ile Ala Thr Gly Gln Asp Pro Ala Gln Asn Val Glu Ser Ser His Cys 100 105 110 Ile Thr Met Met Glu Ala Ile Asn Asn Gly Lys Asp Leu His Ile Ser 115 120 125 Val Thr Met Pro Ser Ile Xaa Val 130 135 19 694 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(461) 26_ppprot140 _E07rev 19 ct gga aac ggt ata tat aca ccc atg gat ccg aaa ttg ctt cct caa 47 Gly Asn Gly Ile Tyr Thr Pro Met Asp Pro Lys Leu Leu Pro Gln 1 5 10 15 ctg tac ctg atc tac acg aag aat ccc agc gat tct ggc aag gtg cat 95 Leu Tyr Leu Ile Tyr Thr Lys Asn Pro Ser Asp Ser Gly Lys Val His 20 25 30 agt acg gtg agg aaa agg tgg tta gac ggt gat gaa ttg gtt agg aat 143 Ser Thr Val Arg Lys Arg Trp Leu Asp Gly Asp Glu Leu Val Arg Asn 35 40 45 tgt atg aaa gaa gtt gcg agt ctt gcc gta aag gga cga gat gct ttg 191 Cys Met Lys Glu Val Ala Ser Leu Ala Val Lys Gly Arg Asp Ala Leu 50 55 60 ctt cgg caa gat ttt tcc acc atc gcg aag cta atg gac acc aac ttt 239 Leu Arg Gln Asp Phe Ser Thr Ile Ala Lys Leu Met Asp Thr Asn Phe 65 70 75 gac tta cgt aga act atg ttt ggc gat gct act ctt gga aag atg aac 287 Asp Leu Arg Arg Thr Met Phe Gly Asp Ala Thr Leu Gly Lys Met Asn 80 85 90 95 att aaa atg gtt gag act gct cgc ggt gtt gga gct gca tgc aag ttt 335 Ile Lys Met Val Glu Thr Ala Arg Gly Val Gly Ala Ala Cys Lys Phe 100 105 110 aca ggg agt gga ggt gca gtt att gca ttc tgt cct gac ggc gaa aag 383 Thr Gly Ser Gly Gly Ala Val Ile Ala Phe Cys Pro Asp Gly Glu Lys 115 120 125 caa gtg aag gct ttg cag gag gct tgt gct aaa gct ggt tac act gtt 431 Gln Val Lys Ala Leu Gln Glu Ala Cys Ala Lys Ala Gly Tyr Thr Val 130 135 140 gag ggt gtt att cct gct cca gcc aat gtc taacctataa tatcctagat 481 Glu Gly Val Ile Pro Ala Pro Ala Asn Val 145 150 ttctgagagc gggtgggaat ttccaaggta ataatcatgg ctgagtgcta tttattcgag 541 cactaaaaga ggatttttaa atacgctcaa tgcacgtatt tttctagttt cctctgtttg 601 accatgaaaa agggaaatgt acatgatgaa actgacaagg acactgcatc cagtatagtc 661 cttaacattt tttcctctcc tttcttgaaa aaa 694 20 153 PRT Physcomitrella patens 20 Gly Asn Gly Ile Tyr Thr Pro Met Asp Pro Lys Leu Leu Pro Gln Leu 1 5 10 15 Tyr Leu Ile Tyr Thr Lys Asn Pro Ser Asp Ser Gly Lys Val His Ser 20 25 30 Thr Val Arg Lys Arg Trp Leu Asp Gly Asp Glu Leu Val Arg Asn Cys 35 40 45 Met Lys Glu Val Ala Ser Leu Ala Val Lys Gly Arg Asp Ala Leu Leu 50 55 60 Arg Gln Asp Phe Ser Thr Ile Ala Lys Leu Met Asp Thr Asn Phe Asp 65 70 75 80 Leu Arg Arg Thr Met Phe Gly Asp Ala Thr Leu Gly Lys Met Asn Ile 85 90 95 Lys Met Val Glu Thr Ala Arg Gly Val Gly Ala Ala Cys Lys Phe Thr 100 105 110 Gly Ser Gly Gly Ala Val Ile Ala Phe Cys Pro Asp Gly Glu Lys Gln 115 120 125 Val Lys Ala Leu Gln Glu Ala Cys Ala Lys Ala Gly Tyr Thr Val Glu 130 135 140 Gly Val Ile Pro Ala Pro Ala Asn Val 145 150 21 548 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(457) 45_ck24_h02fwd 21 c atg gat gac att atg gac aat tca gtc act cgt cga gga caa cct tgc 49 Met Asp Asp Ile Met Asp Asn Ser Val Thr Arg Arg Gly Gln Pro Cys 1 5 10 15 tgg tac cgc gtt cca aag gtt ggc ctc att gct atc aac gat gga ata 97 Trp Tyr Arg Val Pro Lys Val Gly Leu Ile Ala Ile Asn Asp Gly Ile 20 25 30 atc ttg aga acg cat atc tct cgt gtt ctg aag aga cat ttc cgg cag 145 Ile Leu Arg Thr His Ile Ser Arg Val Leu Lys Arg His Phe Arg Gln 35 40 45 tcc cca atc tat gtg gaa ctt gtc gac tta ttc aat gat gtc gag tat 193 Ser Pro Ile Tyr Val Glu Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Asn Asp Val Glu Tyr 50 55 60 cag aca gcc tct gga cag atg ttg gac ctg atc acc act cca gca gga 241 Gln Thr Ala Ser Gly Gln Met Leu Asp Leu Ile Thr Thr Pro Ala Gly 65 70 75 80 gaa gtt gat ttg tcg aaa tat gta tta ccc act tat ctg cga atc gta 289 Glu Val Asp Leu Ser Lys Tyr Val Leu Pro Thr Tyr Leu Arg Ile Val 85 90 95 aaa tac aaa act gca tat tat tca ttt tat ctt cct gtg gca tgt gcc 337 Lys Tyr Lys Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Ser Phe Tyr Leu Pro Val Ala Cys Ala 100 105 110 ttg ctt tta gct ggg gag acg agc gtg gcc aag ttt gag gca gct aag 385 Leu Leu Leu Ala Gly Glu Thr Ser Val Ala Lys Phe Glu Ala Ala Lys 115 120 125 gaa gtc ctt gta cag atg ggc aca tac ttc caa gtc cag gac gac tat 433 Glu Val Leu Val Gln Met Gly Thr Tyr Phe Gln Val Gln Asp Asp Tyr 130 135 140 ctt gac tgt tac ggc gcg cca gaa gtgattggaa agatcggaac tgacattgaa 487 Leu Asp Cys Tyr Gly Ala Pro Glu 145 150 gacactaaat gttcctggct gatagttcaa gccttaaagc gtgccaatga atcccagaaa 547 c 548 22 152 PRT Physcomitrella patens 22 Met Asp Asp Ile Met Asp Asn Ser Val Thr Arg Arg Gly Gln Pro Cys 1 5 10 15 Trp Tyr Arg Val Pro Lys Val Gly Leu Ile Ala Ile Asn Asp Gly Ile 20 25 30 Ile Leu Arg Thr His Ile Ser Arg Val Leu Lys Arg His Phe Arg Gln 35 40 45 Ser Pro Ile Tyr Val Glu Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Asn Asp Val Glu Tyr 50 55 60 Gln Thr Ala Ser Gly Gln Met Leu Asp Leu Ile Thr Thr Pro Ala Gly 65 70 75 80 Glu Val Asp Leu Ser Lys Tyr Val Leu Pro Thr Tyr Leu Arg Ile Val 85 90 95 Lys Tyr Lys Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Ser Phe Tyr Leu Pro Val Ala Cys Ala 100 105 110 Leu Leu Leu Ala Gly Glu Thr Ser Val Ala Lys Phe Glu Ala Ala Lys 115 120 125 Glu Val Leu Val Gln Met Gly Thr Tyr Phe Gln Val Gln Asp Asp Tyr 130 135 140 Leu Asp Cys Tyr Gly Ala Pro Glu 145 150 23 544 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(539) 95_bd02_h06rev 23 ct gga att caa ctt tct ctg tac aga tca aat ctc agc cgt cca tcc 47 Gly Ile Gln Leu Ser Leu Tyr Arg Ser Asn Leu Ser Arg Pro Ser 1 5 10 15 gtc tca ccg gca cca tct gct tac cgt aga ttt acc atc atc tcc ggt 95 Val Ser Pro Ala Pro Ser Ala Tyr Arg Arg Phe Thr Ile Ile Ser Gly 20 25 30 atg gcc caa aac caa tca tat tgg gat tca ata cat tca gat atc gac 143 Met Ala Gln Asn Gln Ser Tyr Trp Asp Ser Ile His Ser Asp Ile Asp 35 40 45 tcc cac ctg aaa aaa gcc att cca att cgt gag ccc gtt tcc gtt ttc 191 Ser His Leu Lys Lys Ala Ile Pro Ile Arg Glu Pro Val Ser Val Phe 50 55 60 gag cca atg cac cac ttg aca ttt gca cca ccc aaa tcc acc gcg tcg 239 Glu Pro Met His His Leu Thr Phe Ala Pro Pro Lys Ser Thr Ala Ser 65 70 75 gcg ttg tgt ata gcc gcc tgt gag cta gta ggc ggc cac cgg gaa gat 287 Ala Leu Cys Ile Ala Ala Cys Glu Leu Val Gly Gly His Arg Glu Asp 80 85 90 95 gca gtt gtg gcg gcg tca gcc att cac cta atg cat gct tct ata tac 335 Ala Val Val Ala Ala Ser Ala Ile His Leu Met His Ala Ser Ile Tyr 100 105 110 act cat gag cat ctc ttg cta agg gaa cgg gcc atg ccc gaa tcc aga 383 Thr His Glu His Leu Leu Leu Arg Glu Arg Ala Met Pro Glu Ser Arg 115 120 125 atc cca cac aag ttt ggc ccg aat atc gag ctt cta act ggc gat ggg 431 Ile Pro His Lys Phe Gly Pro Asn Ile Glu Leu Leu Thr Gly Asp Gly 130 135 140 ttt ctg cct ttc ggg ttt gag ttg ctg gct gga tct gcg aac cag cta 479 Phe Leu Pro Phe Gly Phe Glu Leu Leu Ala Gly Ser Ala Asn Gln Leu 145 150 155 gta aca act ctg ata aat act aag ggt gat cat aga gat cac ccg agc 527 Val Thr Thr Leu Ile Asn Thr Lys Gly Asp His Arg Asp His Pro Ser 160 165 170 175 cgt ang tgc tga angga 544 Arg Xaa Cys 24 178 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 178 Xaa is Lys, Met, Thr, or Arg 24 Gly Ile Gln Leu Ser Leu Tyr Arg Ser Asn Leu Ser Arg Pro Ser Val 1 5 10 15 Ser Pro Ala Pro Ser Ala Tyr Arg Arg Phe Thr Ile Ile Ser Gly Met 20 25 30 Ala Gln Asn Gln Ser Tyr Trp Asp Ser Ile His Ser Asp Ile Asp Ser 35 40 45 His Leu Lys Lys Ala Ile Pro Ile Arg Glu Pro Val Ser Val Phe Glu 50 55 60 Pro Met His His Leu Thr Phe Ala Pro Pro Lys Ser Thr Ala Ser Ala 65 70 75 80 Leu Cys Ile Ala Ala Cys Glu Leu Val Gly Gly His Arg Glu Asp Ala 85 90 95 Val Val Ala Ala Ser Ala Ile His Leu Met His Ala Ser Ile Tyr Thr 100 105 110 His Glu His Leu Leu Leu Arg Glu Arg Ala Met Pro Glu Ser Arg Ile 115 120 125 Pro His Lys Phe Gly Pro Asn Ile Glu Leu Leu Thr Gly Asp Gly Phe 130 135 140 Leu Pro Phe Gly Phe Glu Leu Leu Ala Gly Ser Ala Asn Gln Leu Val 145 150 155 160 Thr Thr Leu Ile Asn Thr Lys Gly Asp His Arg Asp His Pro Ser Arg 165 170 175 Xaa Cys 25 586 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (1)..(585) 14_ppprot1_53_c07 25 ccg aag tgt gac cac gtt gca gtc gga acg ggg acg gtc atc aac aag 48 Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala Val Gly Thr Gly Thr Val Ile Asn Lys 1 5 10 15 cca gcc atc aaa aag tac cag acg gcc acg agg aac cgg gcg aag gac 96 Pro Ala Ile Lys Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr Arg Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp 20 25 30 aag att gcc gga gga aag atc atc agg gtt gag gca cac ccc att ccg 144 Lys Ile Ala Gly Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro 35 40 45 gag cac cca agg cct cgc agg gcg agc gac aga gtg gcg tta gtt ggg 192 Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly 50 55 60 gac gcg gct gga tac gtg acg aag tgc tcc ggg gag ggt atc tac ttt 240 Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe 65 70 75 80 gct gct aag tct gga cgc atg tgt gct gag gct att gtg gaa ggc tcc 288 Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser 85 90 95 gcc aac gga act cgt atg att gac gag tca gat ttg agg aca tat cta 336 Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu 100 105 110 gat aaa tgg gac aag aag tac tgg gca act tac aag gtg ctg gac ata 384 Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile 115 120 125 ttg cag aag gtt ttc tac agg tcc aac cct gcc aga gag gca ttc gtc 432 Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val 130 135 140 gag atg tgc gcc gac gac tac gtg caa aag atg acg ttt gat agt tat 480 Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr 145 150 155 160 ttg tac aag gtg gtg gtg cct gga aac cca ttg gac gac ctg aag cta 528 Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu 165 170 175 gca gtt aac act atc ggg agc ctg atc aga gcc aat gca ttg cgc aag 576 Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys 180 185 190 gag tct gag a 586 Glu Ser Glu 195 26 195 PRT Physcomitrella patens 26 Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala Val Gly Thr Gly Thr Val Ile Asn Lys 1 5 10 15 Pro Ala Ile Lys Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr Arg Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp 20 25 30 Lys Ile Ala Gly Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro 35 40 45 Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly 50 55 60 Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe 65 70 75 80 Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser 85 90 95 Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu 100 105 110 Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile 115 120 125 Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val 130 135 140 Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr 145 150 155 160 Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu 165 170 175 Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys 180 185 190 Glu Ser Glu 195 27 655 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (92)..(349) 34_ppprot1_092_f08rev 27 tctggacgca tgtgtgctga ggctattgtg aaggctccgc caacggaact cgtatgattg 60 acgagtcaga tttgaggaca tatctagata a atg gga caa gaa gta ctg gca 112 Met Gly Gln Glu Val Leu Ala 1 5 act tac aag gtg ctg gac ata ttg cag aag gtt ttc tac agg tcc aac 160 Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn 10 15 20 cct gcc aga gag gca ttc gtc gag atg tgc gcc gac gac tac gtg caa 208 Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln 25 30 35 aag atg acg ttt gat agt tat ttg tac aag gtg gtg gtg cct gga aac 256 Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn 40 45 50 55 cca ttg gac gac ctg aag cta gca gtt aac act atc ggg agc ctg atc 304 Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile 60 65 70 aga gcc aat gca ttg cgc aag gag tct gag aag atg acc gta tag 349 Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 75 80 85 ygtgtggcgct ggaaatcttc tcagttgata ttggccagtc ctcctggaat tgtaaaattg 409 tagtggtata ttccgaggct cccgggcacg gctctggttt tggtaatcaa ttttgactac 469 cattcattta cttgtagaac agagtaagta tccttttagt atcccgggat taggaatgct 529 agataatact ttgcagctaa tttaaccggc tctgaattta ctaagcgtcc tgcgcggttt 589 gacacatcct gaattctaat tctctcagat gttgttccct tgatggcgaa aaaaaaaaaa 649 aaaaaa 655 28 85 PRT Physcomitrella patens 28 Met Gly Gln Glu Val Leu Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met 20 25 30 Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr 35 40 45 Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val 50 55 60 Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser 65 70 75 80 Glu Lys Met Thr Val 85 29 604 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (22)..(603) 83_ppprot1_056_f06 29 gtcatcttgt gcggggcctg a gac att gcg aga cat tct gca gtc atg gct 51 Asp Ile Ala Arg His Ser Ala Val Met Ala 1 5 10 tct ctc cag gcc gtt atc acc gct tcc cct gcc tcc ttc gct gcg tcc 99 Ser Leu Gln Ala Val Ile Thr Ala Ser Pro Ala Ser Phe Ala Ala Ser 15 20 25 tct aga gcc gtc tcc tcc cac tcg gag act gct gcc gtc ttg gtg cct 147 Ser Arg Ala Val Ser Ser His Ser Glu Thr Ala Ala Val Leu Val Pro 30 35 40 tgc gcc agc att tcc tcc cga ggc gtg agc act tct tgc ctg ggc ttt 195 Cys Ala Ser Ile Ser Ser Arg Gly Val Ser Thr Ser Cys Leu Gly Phe 45 50 55 gtt gcc tcc agc ggg cgt aat gct tcg ttg aag tcc ttc gag ggc ttg 243 Val Ala Ser Ser Gly Arg Asn Ala Ser Leu Lys Ser Phe Glu Gly Leu 60 65 70 agg ggt ttg aat gcc agt gga ccc acc tcc gcc gtg gag agc ctg aag 291 Arg Gly Leu Asn Ala Ser Gly Pro Thr Ser Ala Val Glu Ser Leu Lys 75 80 85 90 gcc gag aga aga agc aat gtg gtt gaa gaa gcc gga tac cag cct ctt 339 Ala Glu Arg Arg Ser Asn Val Val Glu Glu Ala Gly Tyr Gln Pro Leu 95 100 105 cgg gtg tat gcc gcg agg gga agt aaa aag att gag ggg cga aag ttg 387 Arg Val Tyr Ala Ala Arg Gly Ser Lys Lys Ile Glu Gly Arg Lys Leu 110 115 120 cga gtg gca gtt gtc gga ggt ggc cct gcc ggt gga tgc gct gcg gag 435 Arg Val Ala Val Val Gly Gly Gly Pro Ala Gly Gly Cys Ala Ala Glu 125 130 135 act ctt gcc aag ggc gga att gag aca ttt ctc att gag cga aag ttg 483 Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Phe Leu Ile Glu Arg Lys Leu 140 145 150 gat aat gct aag cca tgt ggg gga gct att ccc ctt tgc atg gtc gga 531 Asp Asn Ala Lys Pro Cys Gly Gly Ala Ile Pro Leu Cys Met Val Gly 155 160 165 170 gaa ttc gac ctg ccg ccc gaa att atc gac cgc aaa gtg acg aag atg 579 Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Pro Glu Ile Ile Asp Arg Lys Val Thr Lys Met 175 180 185 aaa atg att tcg cct tnc aat gtt t 604 Lys Met Ile Ser Pro Xaa Asn Val 190 30 194 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 192 Xaa is Tyr, Phe, Cys, or Ser. 30 Asp Ile Ala Arg His Ser Ala Val Met Ala Ser Leu Gln Ala Val Ile 1 5 10 15 Thr Ala Ser Pro Ala Ser Phe Ala Ala Ser Ser Arg Ala Val Ser Ser 20 25 30 His Ser Glu Thr Ala Ala Val Leu Val Pro Cys Ala Ser Ile Ser Ser 35 40 45 Arg Gly Val Ser Thr Ser Cys Leu Gly Phe Val Ala Ser Ser Gly Arg 50 55 60 Asn Ala Ser Leu Lys Ser Phe Glu Gly Leu Arg Gly Leu Asn Ala Ser 65 70 75 80 Gly Pro Thr Ser Ala Val Glu Ser Leu Lys Ala Glu Arg Arg Ser Asn 85 90 95 Val Val Glu Glu Ala Gly Tyr Gln Pro Leu Arg Val Tyr Ala Ala Arg 100 105 110 Gly Ser Lys Lys Ile Glu Gly Arg Lys Leu Arg Val Ala Val Val Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Pro Ala Gly Gly Cys Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly 130 135 140 Ile Glu Thr Phe Leu Ile Glu Arg Lys Leu Asp Asn Ala Lys Pro Cys 145 150 155 160 Gly Gly Ala Ile Pro Leu Cys Met Val Gly Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Pro 165 170 175 Glu Ile Ile Asp Arg Lys Val Thr Lys Met Lys Met Ile Ser Pro Xaa 180 185 190 Asn Val 31 604 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (19)..(348) 23_ppprot1_071_d03rev 31 tggacgcatg tgtgctga ggc tat tgt gaa ggc tcc gcc aac gga act cgt 51 Gly Tyr Cys Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg 1 5 10 atg att gac gag tca gat ttg agg aca tat cta gat aaa tgg gac aag 99 Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys 15 20 25 aag tac tgg gca act tac aag gtg ctg gac ata ttg cag aag gtt ttc 147 Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe 30 35 40 tac agg tcc aac cct gcc aga gag gca ttc gtc gag atg tgc gcc gac 195 Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp 45 50 55 gac tac gtg caa aag atg acg ttt gat agt tat ttg tac aag gtg gtg 243 Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val 60 65 70 75 gtg cct gga aac cca ttg gac gac ctg aag cta gca gtt aac act atc 291 Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile 80 85 90 ggg agc ctg atc aga gcc aat gca ttg cgc aag gag tct gag aag atg 339 Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met 95 100 105 acc gta tag gtgtggcgct ggaaatcttc tcagttgata ttggccagtc 388 Thr Val ctcctggaat tgtaaaattg tagtggtata ttccgaggct cccgggcacg gctctggttt 448 tggtaatcaa ttttgactac cattcattta cttgtagaac agagtaagta tccttttagt 508 atcccgggat taggaatgct agataatact ttgcagctaa tttaaccggc tctgaattta 568 ctaagcgtcc tgcgcggttt gacaaaaaaa aaaaaa 604 32 109 PRT Physcomitrella patens 32 Gly Tyr Cys Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Ile Asp Glu Ser 1 5 10 15 Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr 20 25 30 Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro 35 40 45 Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys 50 55 60 Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro 65 70 75 80 Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg 85 90 95 Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 100 105 33 620 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(472) 70_mb1 _D11rev 33 g gct cat cca att cca gag cac cct agg cct cgc agg gcg agt aac cgg 49 Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asn Arg 1 5 10 15 gtg gcg ttg atc ggg gat gcg gca ggg tat gtt acc aag tgc tct ggg 97 Val Ala Leu Ile Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly 20 25 30 gag gga att tac ttc gct gcc aag tcc ggg cgc atg tgt gct gag gcg 145 Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala 35 40 45 atc gtg gag gga tcc gcc aat ggt act cgc atg gtg gac gaa tca gac 193 Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Val Asp Glu Ser Asp 50 55 60 ttg aga aca tac ctg gaa aag tgg gat aag aag tac tgg gcc aca tat 241 Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Glu Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr 65 70 75 80 aag gtg ttg gac att ctt cag aag gtt ttc tac aga tcg aac cct gcc 289 Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala 85 90 95 cga gag gcg ttc gtg gag atg tgc gcc gat gac tat gtg cag aag atg 337 Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met 100 105 110 acg ttc gac agc tat ctg tac aag gtg gtg gtg cct gga aac cca ttg 385 Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu 115 120 125 gac gac atc aag ttg gca atc aac aca atc ggg agt ttg att aga gcc 433 Asp Asp Ile Lys Leu Ala Ile Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala 130 135 140 aac gcc ttg cgc aag gag tcg gag aag atg acc gtg tag ggttagggtt 482 Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 145 150 155 cttatccgtt gatactgcct agactttctg gttttataca attcgtagaa gcacgttcgg 542 aggttcctga gcttgggtat gtatttgtca atccattgtg atgactctca ttcacttgta 602 aaacaggaca tcttatct 620 34 156 PRT Physcomitrella patens 34 Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asn Arg 1 5 10 15 Val Ala Leu Ile Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly 20 25 30 Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala 35 40 45 Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Val Asp Glu Ser Asp 50 55 60 Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Glu Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr 65 70 75 80 Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala 85 90 95 Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met 100 105 110 Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu 115 120 125 Asp Asp Ile Lys Leu Ala Ile Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala 130 135 140 Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 145 150 155 35 637 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(394) 84_ppprot1 36_F12rev 35 c gtg acg aag tgc tcc ggg gag ggt atc tac ttt gct gct aag tct gga 49 Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly 1 5 10 15 cgc atg tgt gct gag gct att gtg gaa ggc tcc gcc aac gga act cgt 97 Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg 20 25 30 atg att gac gag tca gat ttg agg aca tat cta gat aaa tgg gac aag 145 Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys 35 40 45 aag tac tgg gca act tac aag gtg ctg gac ata ttg cag aag gtt ttc 193 Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe 50 55 60 tac agg tcc aac cct gcc aga gag gca ttc gtc gag atg tgc gcc gac 241 Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp 65 70 75 80 gac tac gtg caa aag atg acg ttt gat agt tat ttg tac aag gtg gtg 289 Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val 85 90 95 gtg cct gga aac cca ttg gac gac ctg aag cta gca gtt aac act atc 337 Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile 100 105 110 ggg agc ctg atc aga gcc aat gca ttg cgc aag gag tct gag aag atg 385 Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met 115 120 125 acc gta tag gtgtggcgct ggaaatcttc tcagttgata ttggccagtc 434 Thr Val 130 ctcctggaat tgtaaaattg tagtggtata ttccgaggct cccgggcacg gctctggttt 494 tggtaatcaa ttttgactac cattcattta cttgtagaac agagtaagta tccttttagt 554 atcccgggat taggaatgct agataatact ttgcagctaa tttaaccggc tctgaattta 614 ctaagcgtcc tgcgcggttt gac 637 36 130 PRT Physcomitrella patens 36 Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly 1 5 10 15 Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg 20 25 30 Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys 35 40 45 Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe 50 55 60 Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp 65 70 75 80 Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val 85 90 95 Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile 100 105 110 Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met 115 120 125 Thr Val 130 37 519 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(515) 27_mm6 55_E02rev 37 ct cct gcg gtg ttg gaa gtc gat gct gta att gga gct gac ggt gcc 47 Pro Ala Val Leu Glu Val Asp Ala Val Ile Gly Ala Asp Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 aac agc agg gtg gcc aag gac att gac gct ggt gag tac gac tac gcc 95 Asn Ser Arg Val Ala Lys Asp Ile Asp Ala Gly Glu Tyr Asp Tyr Ala 20 25 30 atc gct ttc caa gaa agg att aag att cct gag gat aag atg gag tac 143 Ile Ala Phe Gln Glu Arg Ile Lys Ile Pro Glu Asp Lys Met Glu Tyr 35 40 45 tat gag aac ttg gca gag atg tat gtc ggt gac gat gtg tcg cca gac 191 Tyr Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly Asp Asp Val Ser Pro Asp 50 55 60 ttc tac ggg tgg gtg ttc ccg aag tgt gac cac gtt gca gtc gga acg 239 Phe Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala Val Gly Thr 65 70 75 ggg acg gtc atc aac aag cca gcc atc aaa aag tac cag acg gcc acg 287 Gly Thr Val Ile Asn Lys Pro Ala Ile Lys Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr 80 85 90 95 agg aac cgg gcg aag gac aag att gcc gga gga aag atc atc agg gtt 335 Arg Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp Lys Ile Ala Gly Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val 100 105 110 gag gca cac ccc att ccg gag cac cca agg cct cgc agg gcg agc gac 383 Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp 115 120 125 aga gtg gcg tta gtt ggg gac gcg gct gga tac gtg acg aag tgc tcc 431 Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser 130 135 140 ggg gag ggt atc tac ttt gct gct aag tct gga cgc atg tgt gct gag 479 Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu 145 150 155 gct att gtg gaa gct ccg cca acg gaa ctc gta tga ttga 519 Ala Ile Val Glu Ala Pro Pro Thr Glu Leu Val 160 165 170 38 170 PRT Physcomitrella patens 38 Pro Ala Val Leu Glu Val Asp Ala Val Ile Gly Ala Asp Gly Ala Asn 1 5 10 15 Ser Arg Val Ala Lys Asp Ile Asp Ala Gly Glu Tyr Asp Tyr Ala Ile 20 25 30 Ala Phe Gln Glu Arg Ile Lys Ile Pro Glu Asp Lys Met Glu Tyr Tyr 35 40 45 Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly Asp Asp Val Ser Pro Asp Phe 50 55 60 Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala Val Gly Thr Gly 65 70 75 80 Thr Val Ile Asn Lys Pro Ala Ile Lys Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr Arg 85 90 95 Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp Lys Ile Ala Gly Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val Glu 100 105 110 Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp Arg 115 120 125 Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly 130 135 140 Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Ala 145 150 155 160 Ile Val Glu Ala Pro Pro Thr Glu Leu Val 165 170 39 602 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(328) 54_ppprot1_081_a12rev 39 t att gtg gaa ggc tcc gcc aac gga act cgt atg att gac gag tca gat 49 Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp 1 5 10 15 ttg agg aca tat cta gat aaa tgg gac aag aag tac tgg gca act tac 97 Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr 20 25 30 aag gtg ctg gac ata ttg cag aag gtt ttc tac agg tcc aac cct gcc 145 Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala 35 40 45 aga gag gca ttc gtc gag atg tgc gcc gac gac tac gtg caa aag atg 193 Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met 50 55 60 acg ttt gat agt tat ttg tac aag gtg gtg gtg cct gga aac cca ttg 241 Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu 65 70 75 80 gac gac ctg aag cta gca gtt aac act atc ggg agc ctg atc aga gcc 289 Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala 85 90 95 aat gca ttg cgc aag gag tct gag aag atg acc gta tag gtgtggcgct 338 Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 100 105 ggaaatcttc tcagttgata ttggccagtc ctcctggaat tgtaaaattg tagtggtata 398 ttccgaggct cccgggcacg gctctggttt tggtaatcaa ttttgactac cattcattta 458 cttgtagaac agagtaagta tccttttagt atcccgggat taggaatgct agataatact 518 ttgcagctaa tttaaccggc tctgaattta ctaagcgtcc tgcgcggttt gacacatcct 578 gaattctaat tctctcagat gttg 602 40 108 PRT Physcomitrella patens 40 Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Ala Asn Gly Thr Arg Met Ile Asp Glu Ser Asp 1 5 10 15 Leu Arg Thr Tyr Leu Asp Lys Trp Asp Lys Lys Tyr Trp Ala Thr Tyr 20 25 30 Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg Ser Asn Pro Ala 35 40 45 Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Asp Tyr Val Gln Lys Met 50 55 60 Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Val Val Val Pro Gly Asn Pro Leu 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser Leu Ile Arg Ala 85 90 95 Asn Ala Leu Arg Lys Glu Ser Glu Lys Met Thr Val 100 105 41 537 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (307)..(501) 47_ppprot1_100_h03 41 caccgcttcc cctgcctcct tcgctgcgtc ctctagagcc gtctcctccc actcggagac 60 tgctgccgtc ttggtgcctt gcgccagcat ttcctcccga ggcgtgagca cttcttgcct 120 gggctttgtt gcctccagcg ggcgtaatgc ttcgttgaag tccttcgagg gcttgagggg 180 tttgaatgcc agtggaccca cctccgccgt ggagagcctg aaggccgaga gaagaagcaa 240 tgtggttgaa gaagccggat accagcctct tcgggtgtat gccgcgaggg gaagtaaaaa 300 gattga ggg gcg aaa gtt gcg agt ggc agt tgt cgg agg tgg cct gcc 348 Gly Ala Lys Val Ala Ser Gly Ser Cys Arg Arg Trp Pro Ala 1 5 10 ggt gga tgc gct gcg gag act ctt gcc aag ggc gga att gag aca ttt 396 Gly Gly Cys Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Phe 15 20 25 30 ctc att gag cga aag ttg gat aat gct aag cca tgt ggg gga gct att 444 Leu Ile Glu Arg Lys Leu Asp Asn Ala Lys Pro Cys Gly Gly Ala Ile 35 40 45 ccc ctt tgc atg gtc gga gaa ttc gac ctg ccg ccg aaa tta tcg acc 492 Pro Leu Cys Met Val Gly Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Pro Lys Leu Ser Thr 50 55 60 gca aag tga cgaagatgaa aatgatttcg ccttccaatg ttgctg 537 Ala Lys 42 64 PRT Physcomitrella patens 42 Gly Ala Lys Val Ala Ser Gly Ser Cys Arg Arg Trp Pro Ala Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Cys Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Phe Leu Ile 20 25 30 Glu Arg Lys Leu Asp Asn Ala Lys Pro Cys Gly Gly Ala Ile Pro Leu 35 40 45 Cys Met Val Gly Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Pro Lys Leu Ser Thr Ala Lys 50 55 60 43 549 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (86)..(502) 25_mm18_e01rev 43 tgataataca taaattagtt ccaaaaatca taagagagga atacaagaca atatacgact 60 aaaacaaata catccataac aatga cca ccg gca atg gtc acc tct gta cct 112 Pro Pro Ala Met Val Thr Ser Val Pro 1 5 act tcg ggc aca ata tat att gag aac ttg gca gag atg tat gtc ggt 160 Thr Ser Gly Thr Ile Tyr Ile Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly 10 15 20 25 gac gat gtg tcg cca gac ttc tac ggg tgg gtg ttc ccg aag tgt gac 208 Asp Asp Val Ser Pro Asp Phe Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp 30 35 40 cac gtt gca gtc gga acg ggg acg gtc atc aac aag cca gcc atc aaa 256 His Val Ala Val Gly Thr Gly Thr Val Ile Asn Lys Pro Ala Ile Lys 45 50 55 aag tac cag acg gcc acg agg aac cgg gcg aag gac aag att gcc gga 304 Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr Arg Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp Lys Ile Ala Gly 60 65 70 gga aag atc atc agg gtt gag gca cac ccc att ccg gag cac cca agg 352 Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg 75 80 85 cct cgc agg gcg agc gac aga gtg gcg tta gtt ggg gac gcg gct gga 400 Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly 90 95 100 105 tac gtg acg aag tgc tcc ggg gag ggt atc tac ttt gct gct aag tct 448 Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser 110 115 120 gga cgc atg tgt gct gag cta ttg tgg aag gct ccg cca acg gaa ctc 496 Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Leu Leu Trp Lys Ala Pro Pro Thr Glu Leu 125 130 135 gta tga ttgacgagtc agatttgagg acatatctag ataaatggga caagaag 549 Val 44 138 PRT Physcomitrella patens 44 Pro Pro Ala Met Val Thr Ser Val Pro Thr Ser Gly Thr Ile Tyr Ile 1 5 10 15 Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly Asp Asp Val Ser Pro Asp Phe 20 25 30 Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala Val Gly Thr Gly 35 40 45 Thr Val Ile Asn Lys Pro Ala Ile Lys Lys Tyr Gln Thr Ala Thr Arg 50 55 60 Asn Arg Ala Lys Asp Lys Ile Ala Gly Gly Lys Ile Ile Arg Val Glu 65 70 75 80 Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg Ala Ser Asp Arg 85 90 95 Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr Lys Cys Ser Gly 100 105 110 Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met Cys Ala Glu Leu 115 120 125 Leu Trp Lys Ala Pro Pro Thr Glu Leu Val 130 135 45 274 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (1)..(273) 80_bd09_f10rev 45 agt tct cag ttt cat tct ctg aac aat acg gat tca gtt ccc aat aac 48 Ser Ser Gln Phe His Ser Leu Asn Asn Thr Asp Ser Val Pro Asn Asn 1 5 10 15 agt cat ttg gca anc aca tat tgt gca ttg gct ata ttg aag aca gtt 96 Ser His Leu Ala Xaa Thr Tyr Cys Ala Leu Ala Ile Leu Lys Thr Val 20 25 30 ggt tat gac ttn tca ctt att gac tct cgg tca ata tat aag tca atg 144 Gly Tyr Asp Xaa Ser Leu Ile Asp Ser Arg Ser Ile Tyr Lys Ser Met 35 40 45 aaa cat ctt caa caa cct gat ggc agt ttc atg cct att cat aca gga 192 Lys His Leu Gln Gln Pro Asp Gly Ser Phe Met Pro Ile His Thr Gly 50 55 60 gca gag acc gat tta cng ttn gtn tat tgt gct gct gtc ntt tct cct 240 Ala Glu Thr Asp Leu Xaa Xaa Val Tyr Cys Ala Ala Val Xaa Ser Pro 65 70 75 80 cta ttg gat aat tgg agt gga atg gat naa gac a 274 Leu Leu Asp Asn Trp Ser Gly Met Asp Xaa Asp 85 90 46 91 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 21 Xaa is Asn, Ile, Ser, or Thr. 46 Ser Ser Gln Phe His Ser Leu Asn Asn Thr Asp Ser Val Pro Asn Asn 1 5 10 15 Ser His Leu Ala Xaa Thr Tyr Cys Ala Leu Ala Ile Leu Lys Thr Val 20 25 30 Gly Tyr Asp Xaa Ser Leu Ile Asp Ser Arg Ser Ile Tyr Lys Ser Met 35 40 45 Lys His Leu Gln Gln Pro Asp Gly Ser Phe Met Pro Ile His Thr Gly 50 55 60 Ala Glu Thr Asp Leu Xaa Xaa Val Tyr Cys Ala Ala Val Xaa Ser Pro 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Asp Asn Trp Ser Gly Met Asp Xaa Asp 85 90 47 488 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(247) 78_ppprot1_087_e12rev 47 g tcg gac tac gtc tcc ata gcc aaa gac tta ggc ctg cag gat atc aag 49 Ser Asp Tyr Val Ser Ile Ala Lys Asp Leu Gly Leu Gln Asp Ile Lys 1 5 10 15 agc gag gac tgg tcc gag tac gtg acg ccc ttc tgg cca gcg gtg atg 97 Ser Glu Asp Trp Ser Glu Tyr Val Thr Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val Met 20 25 30 aaa acc gcc ttg tcc atg gaa ggg ctg gtg gga ctg gtc aag tcc ggc 145 Lys Thr Ala Leu Ser Met Glu Gly Leu Val Gly Leu Val Lys Ser Gly 35 40 45 tgg act act atg aaa gga gct ttc gcc atg acg ctc atg atc cag ggc 193 Trp Thr Thr Met Lys Gly Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Leu Met Ile Gln Gly 50 55 60 tac cag cga ggg ctc att aaa ttc gct gcc atc act tgc agg aag cgg 241 Tyr Gln Arg Gly Leu Ile Lys Phe Ala Ala Ile Thr Cys Arg Lys Arg 65 70 75 80 gat tga ccgactgatt cagtccttcc tcatttctca tgacatcatg gacaatgtcg 297 Asp caaccgatta cattcttatg ccagtgagga atggttgcgt ggtttctggt aatcgtcaag 357 cttcggagta taagggattg aggtctccgc tagtagactt tactatggca tattcaacca 417 tctgtacctt gagggagtaa tcaccaattc gtgcatacat cattcggcaa aagatcattg 477 gacgtcaaaa a 488 48 81 PRT Physcomitrella patens 48 Ser Asp Tyr Val Ser Ile Ala Lys Asp Leu Gly Leu Gln Asp Ile Lys 1 5 10 15 Ser Glu Asp Trp Ser Glu Tyr Val Thr Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val Met 20 25 30 Lys Thr Ala Leu Ser Met Glu Gly Leu Val Gly Leu Val Lys Ser Gly 35 40 45 Trp Thr Thr Met Lys Gly Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Leu Met Ile Gln Gly 50 55 60 Tyr Gln Arg Gly Leu Ile Lys Phe Ala Ala Ile Thr Cys Arg Lys Arg 65 70 75 80 Asp 49 619 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(508) 78_ppprot1_092_e12rev 49 a tcg atc gcc aga aaa tgt gca gtc gag ttt gaa gtt ggg gat tgc acc 49 Ser Ile Ala Arg Lys Cys Ala Val Glu Phe Glu Val Gly Asp Cys Thr 1 5 10 15 aag att aat tac cct cac gca tct ttt gat gtc atc tac agt cgt gat 97 Lys Ile Asn Tyr Pro His Ala Ser Phe Asp Val Ile Tyr Ser Arg Asp 20 25 30 acc att cta cac att caa gat aaa cct gcg ctt ttt caa cgg ttt tat 145 Thr Ile Leu His Ile Gln Asp Lys Pro Ala Leu Phe Gln Arg Phe Tyr 35 40 45 aaa tgg ttg aag cct gga ggt cgg gtg ctt atc agt gac tac tgt aga 193 Lys Trp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Arg Val Leu Ile Ser Asp Tyr Cys Arg 50 55 60 gct cca caa act ccg tcg gcg gag ttc gct gca tac att cag cag agg 241 Ala Pro Gln Thr Pro Ser Ala Glu Phe Ala Ala Tyr Ile Gln Gln Arg 65 70 75 80 ggt tat gat ctc cat agc gtt cag aag tac gga gag atg ctg gaa gat 289 Gly Tyr Asp Leu His Ser Val Gln Lys Tyr Gly Glu Met Leu Glu Asp 85 90 95 gcc ggt ttt gtg gaa gtg gtc gca gag gac cgc acg gat cag ttc att 337 Ala Gly Phe Val Glu Val Val Ala Glu Asp Arg Thr Asp Gln Phe Ile 100 105 110 gaa gtg tta cag agg gag cta gcc acc act gaa gca ggt cgt gac cag 385 Glu Val Leu Gln Arg Glu Leu Ala Thr Thr Glu Ala Gly Arg Asp Gln 115 120 125 ttc atc aac gat ttc tcc gag gag gat tat aac tac att gtg agc gga 433 Phe Ile Asn Asp Phe Ser Glu Glu Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Ile Val Ser Gly 130 135 140 tgg aag agt aag ctg aag cgc tgt tcg aat gac gaa cag aag tgg gga 481 Trp Lys Ser Lys Leu Lys Arg Cys Ser Asn Asp Glu Gln Lys Trp Gly 145 150 155 160 ctc ttc ata gcc tac aag gca tta tga tcttgaaatt atttcggata 528 Leu Phe Ile Ala Tyr Lys Ala Leu 165 tagataaaac agcattgttg gaatagttca cacttgagag tctgttttgt cttcttataa 588 ataaacatcg atactattca cccacttaaa a 619 50 168 PRT Physcomitrella patens 50 Ser Ile Ala Arg Lys Cys Ala Val Glu Phe Glu Val Gly Asp Cys Thr 1 5 10 15 Lys Ile Asn Tyr Pro His Ala Ser Phe Asp Val Ile Tyr Ser Arg Asp 20 25 30 Thr Ile Leu His Ile Gln Asp Lys Pro Ala Leu Phe Gln Arg Phe Tyr 35 40 45 Lys Trp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Arg Val Leu Ile Ser Asp Tyr Cys Arg 50 55 60 Ala Pro Gln Thr Pro Ser Ala Glu Phe Ala Ala Tyr Ile Gln Gln Arg 65 70 75 80 Gly Tyr Asp Leu His Ser Val Gln Lys Tyr Gly Glu Met Leu Glu Asp 85 90 95 Ala Gly Phe Val Glu Val Val Ala Glu Asp Arg Thr Asp Gln Phe Ile 100 105 110 Glu Val Leu Gln Arg Glu Leu Ala Thr Thr Glu Ala Gly Arg Asp Gln 115 120 125 Phe Ile Asn Asp Phe Ser Glu Glu Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Ile Val Ser Gly 130 135 140 Trp Lys Ser Lys Leu Lys Arg Cys Ser Asn Asp Glu Gln Lys Trp Gly 145 150 155 160 Leu Phe Ile Ala Tyr Lys Ala Leu 165 51 563 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(563) 05_ck_19_a03 51 tg tgc gcc tcc acc aca gtc cct acg agg att tat gat gga gtg gcg 47 Cys Ala Ser Thr Thr Val Pro Thr Arg Ile Tyr Asp Gly Val Ala 1 5 10 15 gag gac caa gag gat tac atc aag gct ggt gga gaa gag ttg gat ctc 95 Glu Asp Gln Glu Asp Tyr Ile Lys Ala Gly Gly Glu Glu Leu Asp Leu 20 25 30 gtg cag ctg cag gcc tcc aag tcc ttt gat cag tcc aag att ggg gag 143 Val Gln Leu Gln Ala Ser Lys Ser Phe Asp Gln Ser Lys Ile Gly Glu 35 40 45 aag tta caa ctt ctg gga gac gaa acg tta gat ttg gta gtt gta ggc 191 Lys Leu Gln Leu Leu Gly Asp Glu Thr Leu Asp Leu Val Val Val Gly 50 55 60 tgc ggt cct gct gga atg tgc ttg gca gct gaa gca gcg aaa cag ggc 239 Cys Gly Pro Ala Gly Met Cys Leu Ala Ala Glu Ala Ala Lys Gln Gly 65 70 75 ctt aat gtg ggc ctc gta ggc cct gac cta ccg ttc gtc aac aat tat 287 Leu Asn Val Gly Leu Val Gly Pro Asp Leu Pro Phe Val Asn Asn Tyr 80 85 90 95 ggt gtt tgg act gac gaa ttt gct gca ttg ggc ctc gag gac tgc ata 335 Gly Val Trp Thr Asp Glu Phe Ala Ala Leu Gly Leu Glu Asp Cys Ile 100 105 110 gag caa acc tgg aaa gac tca gct atg tat att gaa gag gac tcg cct 383 Glu Gln Thr Trp Lys Asp Ser Ala Met Tyr Ile Glu Glu Asp Ser Pro 115 120 125 ata atg ata ggg cgt gca tat ggt cgt gtg agt cgg act ctt ctg aga 431 Ile Met Ile Gly Arg Ala Tyr Gly Arg Val Ser Arg Thr Leu Leu Arg 130 135 140 gaa gag ctt ctg agg agg tgc gct gag gga ggg gtt aga tac gtt gat 479 Glu Glu Leu Leu Arg Arg Cys Ala Glu Gly Gly Val Arg Tyr Val Asp 145 150 155 tct aaa gtt gac agg ata ctt gaa gtc gat gag gat ttg agt acc gtt 527 Ser Lys Val Asp Arg Ile Leu Glu Val Asp Glu Asp Leu Ser Thr Val 160 165 170 175 cta tgc acc aat gga aaa aat atc aag agc aga ctt 563 Leu Cys Thr Asn Gly Lys Asn Ile Lys Ser Arg Leu 180 185 52 187 PRT Physcomitrella patens 52 Cys Ala Ser Thr Thr Val Pro Thr Arg Ile Tyr Asp Gly Val Ala Glu 1 5 10 15 Asp Gln Glu Asp Tyr Ile Lys Ala Gly Gly Glu Glu Leu Asp Leu Val 20 25 30 Gln Leu Gln Ala Ser Lys Ser Phe Asp Gln Ser Lys Ile Gly Glu Lys 35 40 45 Leu Gln Leu Leu Gly Asp Glu Thr Leu Asp Leu Val Val Val Gly Cys 50 55 60 Gly Pro Ala Gly Met Cys Leu Ala Ala Glu Ala Ala Lys Gln Gly Leu 65 70 75 80 Asn Val Gly Leu Val Gly Pro Asp Leu Pro Phe Val Asn Asn Tyr Gly 85 90 95 Val Trp Thr Asp Glu Phe Ala Ala Leu Gly Leu Glu Asp Cys Ile Glu 100 105 110 Gln Thr Trp Lys Asp Ser Ala Met Tyr Ile Glu Glu Asp Ser Pro Ile 115 120 125 Met Ile Gly Arg Ala Tyr Gly Arg Val Ser Arg Thr Leu Leu Arg Glu 130 135 140 Glu Leu Leu Arg Arg Cys Ala Glu Gly Gly Val Arg Tyr Val Asp Ser 145 150 155 160 Lys Val Asp Arg Ile Leu Glu Val Asp Glu Asp Leu Ser Thr Val Leu 165 170 175 Cys Thr Asn Gly Lys Asn Ile Lys Ser Arg Leu 180 185 53 684 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(397) 02_ppprot1_046_a07rev 53 t acc atc ctg agg gat gtt gaa gaa gat gca cgc cgt ggc aga gta tac 49 Thr Ile Leu Arg Asp Val Glu Glu Asp Ala Arg Arg Gly Arg Val Tyr 1 5 10 15 ctc cca cag gat gaa ctg gca cgt ttc ggt ctg tcg gat gca gac att 97 Leu Pro Gln Asp Glu Leu Ala Arg Phe Gly Leu Ser Asp Ala Asp Ile 20 25 30 ttt gtc gga aaa gtt act gat aaa tgg agg gca ttc atg aaa gac caa 145 Phe Val Gly Lys Val Thr Asp Lys Trp Arg Ala Phe Met Lys Asp Gln 35 40 45 att aaa aga gct aga gtg ttc ttt gtg gag gct gag aaa ggt gta cgt 193 Ile Lys Arg Ala Arg Val Phe Phe Val Glu Ala Glu Lys Gly Val Arg 50 55 60 gag ctg gac aaa gac agt cgc tgg cct gtg tgg tcc gcc ctc att ctt 241 Glu Leu Asp Lys Asp Ser Arg Trp Pro Val Trp Ser Ala Leu Ile Leu 65 70 75 80 tac cag caa att ctg gac gcc att gaa gcc aac gat tac gat aac ttc 289 Tyr Gln Gln Ile Leu Asp Ala Ile Glu Ala Asn Asp Tyr Asp Asn Phe 85 90 95 aca aaa aga gct tac gta gga aag tgg aaa aag ctg gct tct cta cct 337 Thr Lys Arg Ala Tyr Val Gly Lys Trp Lys Lys Leu Ala Ser Leu Pro 100 105 110 atc gct tat ggc aga gcg ttg gtt cca cct cca gat gca ctt ccc agg 385 Ile Ala Tyr Gly Arg Ala Leu Val Pro Pro Pro Asp Ala Leu Pro Arg 115 120 125 tta gca cgt taa gttctaactt ctgatgtacc atgggtatcg ctggtcaacg 437 Leu Ala Arg 130 aattccacca gaatctgttt cgctgtcaca gggaatcctg aaagagctgc atttgcatcc 497 ctgtcttttg acgaaactcc tagagccgga agaggcaaaa attgtagatg tagtggagtt 557 gacaagtctt ttgtaccgtc cgtacttctg tacttggaac catttatgtg agccggttgt 617 ttatatagct gtgtatagct gagcagtctt tgctatctac taaataaaat tcttccttct 677 cttcttg 684 54 131 PRT Physcomitrella patens 54 Thr Ile Leu Arg Asp Val Glu Glu Asp Ala Arg Arg Gly Arg Val Tyr 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Gln Asp Glu Leu Ala Arg Phe Gly Leu Ser Asp Ala Asp Ile 20 25 30 Phe Val Gly Lys Val Thr Asp Lys Trp Arg Ala Phe Met Lys Asp Gln 35 40 45 Ile Lys Arg Ala Arg Val Phe Phe Val Glu Ala Glu Lys Gly Val Arg 50 55 60 Glu Leu Asp Lys Asp Ser Arg Trp Pro Val Trp Ser Ala Leu Ile Leu 65 70 75 80 Tyr Gln Gln Ile Leu Asp Ala Ile Glu Ala Asn Asp Tyr Asp Asn Phe 85 90 95 Thr Lys Arg Ala Tyr Val Gly Lys Trp Lys Lys Leu Ala Ser Leu Pro 100 105 110 Ile Ala Tyr Gly Arg Ala Leu Val Pro Pro Pro Asp Ala Leu Pro Arg 115 120 125 Leu Ala Arg 130 55 576 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(221) 96_ck5_h12fwdrev 55 tt tac aag acg gtg cca gat tgt gag cct tgt agg cca ctt caa aga 47 Tyr Lys Thr Val Pro Asp Cys Glu Pro Cys Arg Pro Leu Gln Arg 1 5 10 15 tca cct att cca aag ttc tac atg gcg ggt gac ttc act aag cag aag 95 Ser Pro Ile Pro Lys Phe Tyr Met Ala Gly Asp Phe Thr Lys Gln Lys 20 25 30 tac ctc gct tct atg gaa ggg gct gtg ctc tct ggc aaa ttt tgt gcc 143 Tyr Leu Ala Ser Met Glu Gly Ala Val Leu Ser Gly Lys Phe Cys Ala 35 40 45 caa tcc att gta cag gat ttc aag gca gga aaa ctg aaa gcg ggc ggt 191 Gln Ser Ile Val Gln Asp Phe Lys Ala Gly Lys Leu Lys Ala Gly Gly 50 55 60 gag aag gaa gct gtg ctg gtc tct caa tga ccaaagcttg agactcattt 241 Glu Lys Glu Ala Val Leu Val Ser Gln 65 70 acccttgtac ttgtaattca ttatacttgg tcgtttgcac tggttgacgc gcgcttctca 301 gctaacacat tttcaccaat aataggtggg gctgtgttca atgcgcagaa atttggattg 361 gtacaggatt cactgatcca ctgattacga tgcagctgat gggtctcgtt gttaggtagg 421 cttcattcat atgccgcaag ctgatttgcc ggaaatccag caattcactg gtttttgaac 481 gaaaattgct ggttgaagat ttactgtaag cggttcaccg catgctattc agtgcacttc 541 atgttcaaat ctgaatcaat ttctgtcaaa aaaaa 576 56 72 PRT Physcomitrella patens 56 Tyr Lys Thr Val Pro Asp Cys Glu Pro Cys Arg Pro Leu Gln Arg Ser 1 5 10 15 Pro Ile Pro Lys Phe Tyr Met Ala Gly Asp Phe Thr Lys Gln Lys Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Ala Ser Met Glu Gly Ala Val Leu Ser Gly Lys Phe Cys Ala Gln 35 40 45 Ser Ile Val Gln Asp Phe Lys Ala Gly Lys Leu Lys Ala Gly Gly Glu 50 55 60 Lys Glu Ala Val Leu Val Ser Gln 65 70 57 476 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (245)..(475) 42_ck10_g09fwd 57 gtgcaacagc actgaattgg aattgtgttc aagaggtttg ggattgtggg ttagtgtgtg 60 cgtgcgtgcg agtttgagag aagggggttt tgaagctcag gttgcaaata ttttggtagc 120 tatggcgggg ttggtggtgc aggcggggag gtgtgcaggg gtggcttcac tgtcgttggc 180 ttcctcgtcg tcgagtcatg tgaagggatc gattccagcg ccatgttttg cagttgtgga 240 ctga aag gat gcc agc agc aga cgg aca ggg agt gtg cgc gtc aca gcc 289 Lys Asp Ala Ser Ser Arg Arg Thr Gly Ser Val Arg Val Thr Ala 1 5 10 15 agc ttg caa agc atg gtg tcg gac atg agc agg aaa gca ccg aaa ggt 337 Ser Leu Gln Ser Met Val Ser Asp Met Ser Arg Lys Ala Pro Lys Gly 20 25 30 ctg ttc cct ccc gag ccc gag gct tac aag ggg ccc aag ctc aag gtc 385 Leu Phe Pro Pro Glu Pro Glu Ala Tyr Lys Gly Pro Lys Leu Lys Val 35 40 45 gcc att att ggc gct ggt ctt gcg ggc atg tcc acc gct gtt gag ctt 433 Ala Ile Ile Gly Ala Gly Leu Ala Gly Met Ser Thr Ala Val Glu Leu 50 55 60 ctc gag caa ggc cac gag gtg gat atc tat gag tcg cga aag t 476 Leu Glu Gln Gly His Glu Val Asp Ile Tyr Glu Ser Arg Lys 65 70 75 58 77 PRT Physcomitrella patens 58 Lys Asp Ala Ser Ser Arg Arg Thr Gly Ser Val Arg Val Thr Ala Ser 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Ser Met Val Ser Asp Met Ser Arg Lys Ala Pro Lys Gly Leu 20 25 30 Phe Pro Pro Glu Pro Glu Ala Tyr Lys Gly Pro Lys Leu Lys Val Ala 35 40 45 Ile Ile Gly Ala Gly Leu Ala Gly Met Ser Thr Ala Val Glu Leu Leu 50 55 60 Glu Gln Gly His Glu Val Asp Ile Tyr Glu Ser Arg Lys 65 70 75 59 535 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (1)..(486) 84_mm11_f12rev 59 att acc gga gag tgg tac tgc aag ttc gat act ttc tca ccc gca gca 48 Ile Thr Gly Glu Trp Tyr Cys Lys Phe Asp Thr Phe Ser Pro Ala Ala 1 5 10 15 gag cga ggc ttg cca gtc act cga gtg atc agt cgg atg aaa ctc cag 96 Glu Arg Gly Leu Pro Val Thr Arg Val Ile Ser Arg Met Lys Leu Gln 20 25 30 gaa att ctt tcc ggt gca ttg gga tca gag tac ata cag aat ggc tct 144 Glu Ile Leu Ser Gly Ala Leu Gly Ser Glu Tyr Ile Gln Asn Gly Ser 35 40 45 aat gtg gta gat ttt gtg gac gac ggg aac aaa gtg gaa gtc gtg ctg 192 Asn Val Val Asp Phe Val Asp Asp Gly Asn Lys Val Glu Val Val Leu 50 55 60 gag gat gga cgg aca ttt gaa ggg gac atc ctc gtc ggc gct gat ggc 240 Glu Asp Gly Arg Thr Phe Glu Gly Asp Ile Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly 65 70 75 80 att cgc tcc aag gtg cga acg aaa ttg cta ggt gag tcg tcg acc gtg 288 Ile Arg Ser Lys Val Arg Thr Lys Leu Leu Gly Glu Ser Ser Thr Val 85 90 95 tat tct gat tac acc tgc tac acg ggg att gct gat ttt gtg ccc gct 336 Tyr Ser Asp Tyr Thr Cys Tyr Thr Gly Ile Ala Asp Phe Val Pro Ala 100 105 110 gat atc gac acc gtt ggg tac cgc gtc ttc ctc ggc cac aaa cag tac 384 Asp Ile Asp Thr Val Gly Tyr Arg Val Phe Leu Gly His Lys Gln Tyr 115 120 125 ttt gtt tct tcg gac gtt ggg caa ggg aag atg cag tgg tat gcg ttc 432 Phe Val Ser Ser Asp Val Gly Gln Gly Lys Met Gln Trp Tyr Ala Phe 130 135 140 tac aat gaa cct gcg ggc ggg gta gac gcc cca gcg gaa gga aag caa 480 Tyr Asn Glu Pro Ala Gly Gly Val Asp Ala Pro Ala Glu Gly Lys Gln 145 150 155 160 ggt tga tgtcgttgtt cgggggatgg tgtgacaagg tggtggatct nctactggc 535 Gly 60 161 PRT Physcomitrella patens 60 Ile Thr Gly Glu Trp Tyr Cys Lys Phe Asp Thr Phe Ser Pro Ala Ala 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Gly Leu Pro Val Thr Arg Val Ile Ser Arg Met Lys Leu Gln 20 25 30 Glu Ile Leu Ser Gly Ala Leu Gly Ser Glu Tyr Ile Gln Asn Gly Ser 35 40 45 Asn Val Val Asp Phe Val Asp Asp Gly Asn Lys Val Glu Val Val Leu 50 55 60 Glu Asp Gly Arg Thr Phe Glu Gly Asp Ile Leu Val Gly Ala Asp Gly 65 70 75 80 Ile Arg Ser Lys Val Arg Thr Lys Leu Leu Gly Glu Ser Ser Thr Val 85 90 95 Tyr Ser Asp Tyr Thr Cys Tyr Thr Gly Ile Ala Asp Phe Val Pro Ala 100 105 110 Asp Ile Asp Thr Val Gly Tyr Arg Val Phe Leu Gly His Lys Gln Tyr 115 120 125 Phe Val Ser Ser Asp Val Gly Gln Gly Lys Met Gln Trp Tyr Ala Phe 130 135 140 Tyr Asn Glu Pro Ala Gly Gly Val Asp Ala Pro Ala Glu Gly Lys Gln 145 150 155 160 Gly 61 620 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(311) 41_ppprot1_085_g03rev 61 ca tgc gaa ata gag ctt ggc gag ttc cgg gct gtg acg gaa ccc gaa 47 Cys Glu Ile Glu Leu Gly Glu Phe Arg Ala Val Thr Glu Pro Glu 1 5 10 15 gtt gca cca cag cat gcc aaa ctt gtg ttc aaa gac ggc gcc ctg ttt 95 Val Ala Pro Gln His Ala Lys Leu Val Phe Lys Asp Gly Ala Leu Phe 20 25 30 gtt acg gac cta gac agc aag act ggc acg tgg att acg agt atc agt 143 Val Thr Asp Leu Asp Ser Lys Thr Gly Thr Trp Ile Thr Ser Ile Ser 35 40 45 ggt ggt cgc tgc aaa ttg acc ccg aaa atg ccc act cga gtt cac ccg 191 Gly Gly Arg Cys Lys Leu Thr Pro Lys Met Pro Thr Arg Val His Pro 50 55 60 gag gat atc att gag ttc ggc cct gcc aag gag gct cag tac aag gtg 239 Glu Asp Ile Ile Glu Phe Gly Pro Ala Lys Glu Ala Gln Tyr Lys Val 65 70 75 aag ctc cga agg tcc cag cca gct aga tca aac tct tac aag aca gac 287 Lys Leu Arg Arg Ser Gln Pro Ala Arg Ser Asn Ser Tyr Lys Thr Asp 80 85 90 95 ttg aat gcg ctg aaa gtg gca taa ggggactcga taaactccag tattcgacga 341 Leu Asn Ala Leu Lys Val Ala 100 ctattctgca gtgatgggac tctagcagca ttgaatctcc accccccccc cttttttttt 401 taattttaaa aacatcgata cagcacttga ctggacccac ggattgaatt gaattgcagc 461 aatgttgaag gattgctgca gctcgactca caggatagga tgtaacccat gccagctcta 521 gtgtatgaaa tagtaggctc tagatagatt aacccactgt atattgttag tgtgtaatct 581 gatccaaagg gattcttaag atttcttggt tcaaaaaaa 620 62 102 PRT Physcomitrella patens 62 Cys Glu Ile Glu Leu Gly Glu Phe Arg Ala Val Thr Glu Pro Glu Val 1 5 10 15 Ala Pro Gln His Ala Lys Leu Val Phe Lys Asp Gly Ala Leu Phe Val 20 25 30 Thr Asp Leu Asp Ser Lys Thr Gly Thr Trp Ile Thr Ser Ile Ser Gly 35 40 45 Gly Arg Cys Lys Leu Thr Pro Lys Met Pro Thr Arg Val His Pro Glu 50 55 60 Asp Ile Ile Glu Phe Gly Pro Ala Lys Glu Ala Gln Tyr Lys Val Lys 65 70 75 80 Leu Arg Arg Ser Gln Pro Ala Arg Ser Asn Ser Tyr Lys Thr Asp Leu 85 90 95 Asn Ala Leu Lys Val Ala 100 63 465 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(433) 06_ppprot1_062_a09rev 63 a gtg gaa ggc gcg gcc aca gaa gag cga ttt ttt ctt ttt cta gag gaa 49 Val Glu Gly Ala Ala Thr Glu Glu Arg Phe Phe Leu Phe Leu Glu Glu 1 5 10 15 ttc caa cga cac tcc agg aat tat gtc aaa agg cag tta aca tgg ttc 97 Phe Gln Arg His Ser Arg Asn Tyr Val Lys Arg Gln Leu Thr Trp Phe 20 25 30 cga aat aaa ggt caa agt gag cag atg ttc aac tgg att gat gcc aca 145 Arg Asn Lys Gly Gln Ser Glu Gln Met Phe Asn Trp Ile Asp Ala Thr 35 40 45 cag ccc cta gaa gtg atg gtg gac gcc tta gcg aaa gag tat gaa agg 193 Gln Pro Leu Glu Val Met Val Asp Ala Leu Ala Lys Glu Tyr Glu Arg 50 55 60 ccc aat gaa gtg gtg agc gat gtc ctg aaa gcg gca agt gtt gtt acc 241 Pro Asn Glu Val Val Ser Asp Val Leu Lys Ala Ala Ser Val Val Thr 65 70 75 80 aag gag tct agt tac aag gag gaa aac ctt ttg aag cgc tac cga act 289 Lys Glu Ser Ser Tyr Lys Glu Glu Asn Leu Leu Lys Arg Tyr Arg Thr 85 90 95 caa aac agg ata ttt act agt aac agt gag gcg ctc aag cgt act tta 337 Gln Asn Arg Ile Phe Thr Ser Asn Ser Glu Ala Leu Lys Arg Thr Leu 100 105 110 caa tgg ata cga gat acc cag tgt cta tgg cgg aac agt agc acg gtg 385 Gln Trp Ile Arg Asp Thr Gln Cys Leu Trp Arg Asn Ser Ser Thr Val 115 120 125 gat gat ctc caa aag aga atg gaa tca tcc ttg acg acc tct atg taa 433 Asp Asp Leu Gln Lys Arg Met Glu Ser Ser Leu Thr Thr Ser Met 130 135 140 cgttgcttat tttatgagtg aagattttga ct 465 64 143 PRT Physcomitrella patens 64 Val Glu Gly Ala Ala Thr Glu Glu Arg Phe Phe Leu Phe Leu Glu Glu 1 5 10 15 Phe Gln Arg His Ser Arg Asn Tyr Val Lys Arg Gln Leu Thr Trp Phe 20 25 30 Arg Asn Lys Gly Gln Ser Glu Gln Met Phe Asn Trp Ile Asp Ala Thr 35 40 45 Gln Pro Leu Glu Val Met Val Asp Ala Leu Ala Lys Glu Tyr Glu Arg 50 55 60 Pro Asn Glu Val Val Ser Asp Val Leu Lys Ala Ala Ser Val Val Thr 65 70 75 80 Lys Glu Ser Ser Tyr Lys Glu Glu Asn Leu Leu Lys Arg Tyr Arg Thr 85 90 95 Gln Asn Arg Ile Phe Thr Ser Asn Ser Glu Ala Leu Lys Arg Thr Leu 100 105 110 Gln Trp Ile Arg Asp Thr Gln Cys Leu Trp Arg Asn Ser Ser Thr Val 115 120 125 Asp Asp Leu Gln Lys Arg Met Glu Ser Ser Leu Thr Thr Ser Met 130 135 140 65 534 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(533) 16_ppprot1_082_c08 65 ct cag att gtc atg atg cat gac ttt gcc atc acg gaa aat tat gca 47 Gln Ile Val Met Met His Asp Phe Ala Ile Thr Glu Asn Tyr Ala 1 5 10 15 atc ttt atg gat ctt ccc ctc ctg atg gac ggc gaa agt atg atg aaa 95 Ile Phe Met Asp Leu Pro Leu Leu Met Asp Gly Glu Ser Met Met Lys 20 25 30 gga aac ttc ttt atc aag ttc gac gaa acc aaa gaa gct cgg ttg gga 143 Gly Asn Phe Phe Ile Lys Phe Asp Glu Thr Lys Glu Ala Arg Leu Gly 35 40 45 gta ctt cct aga tac gcc act aac gag agt cag ctt cgc tgg ttc acc 191 Val Leu Pro Arg Tyr Ala Thr Asn Glu Ser Gln Leu Arg Trp Phe Thr 50 55 60 att ccc gtg tgt ttc ata ttt cac aac gcg aac gct tgg gag gaa ggc 239 Ile Pro Val Cys Phe Ile Phe His Asn Ala Asn Ala Trp Glu Glu Gly 65 70 75 gat gaa att gtc ttg cat tct tgt cga atg gaa gaa ata aac cta acg 287 Asp Glu Ile Val Leu His Ser Cys Arg Met Glu Glu Ile Asn Leu Thr 80 85 90 95 acg gca gca gac gga ttc aaa gaa aat gaa cgc att tct caa cct aaa 335 Thr Ala Ala Asp Gly Phe Lys Glu Asn Glu Arg Ile Ser Gln Pro Lys 100 105 110 ttg ttt gag ttt agg atc aac ctt aag act ggt gag gtg aga cag aaa 383 Leu Phe Glu Phe Arg Ile Asn Leu Lys Thr Gly Glu Val Arg Gln Lys 115 120 125 cag ctc tca gtt ctg gtg gtg gat ttt cca agg gtc aac gag gag tat 431 Gln Leu Ser Val Leu Val Val Asp Phe Pro Arg Val Asn Glu Glu Tyr 130 135 140 atg gga agg aaa act caa tat atg tat gga gcc att atg gac aaa gag 479 Met Gly Arg Lys Thr Gln Tyr Met Tyr Gly Ala Ile Met Asp Lys Glu 145 150 155 tct aaa atg gta gga gtc gga aag ttc gac cta ttg aaa gaa cca gag 527 Ser Lys Met Val Gly Val Gly Lys Phe Asp Leu Leu Lys Glu Pro Glu 160 165 170 175 gtg aac c 534 Val Asn 66 177 PRT Physcomitrella patens 66 Gln Ile Val Met Met His Asp Phe Ala Ile Thr Glu Asn Tyr Ala Ile 1 5 10 15 Phe Met Asp Leu Pro Leu Leu Met Asp Gly Glu Ser Met Met Lys Gly 20 25 30 Asn Phe Phe Ile Lys Phe Asp Glu Thr Lys Glu Ala Arg Leu Gly Val 35 40 45 Leu Pro Arg Tyr Ala Thr Asn Glu Ser Gln Leu Arg Trp Phe Thr Ile 50 55 60 Pro Val Cys Phe Ile Phe His Asn Ala Asn Ala Trp Glu Glu Gly Asp 65 70 75 80 Glu Ile Val Leu His Ser Cys Arg Met Glu Glu Ile Asn Leu Thr Thr 85 90 95 Ala Ala Asp Gly Phe Lys Glu Asn Glu Arg Ile Ser Gln Pro Lys Leu 100 105 110 Phe Glu Phe Arg Ile Asn Leu Lys Thr Gly Glu Val Arg Gln Lys Gln 115 120 125 Leu Ser Val Leu Val Val Asp Phe Pro Arg Val Asn Glu Glu Tyr Met 130 135 140 Gly Arg Lys Thr Gln Tyr Met Tyr Gly Ala Ile Met Asp Lys Glu Ser 145 150 155 160 Lys Met Val Gly Val Gly Lys Phe Asp Leu Leu Lys Glu Pro Glu Val 165 170 175 Asn 67 694 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(694) 30_ppprot1_064_e09 67 c cac tgt gtt gtc ctc tca ttt tct cca cgg ttt tgg caa att tgt gtc 49 His Cys Val Val Leu Ser Phe Ser Pro Arg Phe Trp Gln Ile Cys Val 1 5 10 15 ctt att gtt ttt agt aaa aca aca aat atg gcg gcc gcg ata tct tca 97 Leu Ile Val Phe Ser Lys Thr Thr Asn Met Ala Ala Ala Ile Ser Ser 20 25 30 gta agt tgc atc tct gca gct aag ctc ttc tcc gtt gca gct gca cct 145 Val Ser Cys Ile Ser Ala Ala Lys Leu Phe Ser Val Ala Ala Ala Pro 35 40 45 cac gca acg agg cgc act tct gtg ctg cac atc agc gct gta gct gac 193 His Ala Thr Arg Arg Thr Ser Val Leu His Ile Ser Ala Val Ala Asp 50 55 60 aag gtc tct cct gat cca gcc gtc gtg ccc cca aat gtg ctc gag tat 241 Lys Val Ser Pro Asp Pro Ala Val Val Pro Pro Asn Val Leu Glu Tyr 65 70 75 80 gcg aag aca atg ccc gga gtg act gct ccg ttc gag aac atc ttc gac 289 Ala Lys Thr Met Pro Gly Val Thr Ala Pro Phe Glu Asn Ile Phe Asp 85 90 95 cct gct gac ctc ctg gcc cgc gct gcc tcc agc ccc cga ccc att aag 337 Pro Ala Asp Leu Leu Ala Arg Ala Ala Ser Ser Pro Arg Pro Ile Lys 100 105 110 gag ctg aac agg tgg agg gag tcg gaa atc act cac ggc cgt gtt gcc 385 Glu Leu Asn Arg Trp Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Thr His Gly Arg Val Ala 115 120 125 atg ctt gcc tct tta gga ttt att gtc cag gag cag ctc cag gat tac 433 Met Leu Ala Ser Leu Gly Phe Ile Val Gln Glu Gln Leu Gln Asp Tyr 130 135 140 tct ttg ttc tac aac ttt gac ggc caa atc tct ggt cca gct atc tac 481 Ser Leu Phe Tyr Asn Phe Asp Gly Gln Ile Ser Gly Pro Ala Ile Tyr 145 150 155 160 cac ttc cag cag gtt gaa gct cgc ggt gcc gtc ttt tgg gag cct ctt 529 His Phe Gln Gln Val Glu Ala Arg Gly Ala Val Phe Trp Glu Pro Leu 165 170 175 atc ttc gcc atc gct ctt tgc gag gca tac aga gta ggt ctt ggt tgg 577 Ile Phe Ala Ile Ala Leu Cys Glu Ala Tyr Arg Val Gly Leu Gly Trp 180 185 190 gca act ccc cgt tcc cag gac ttc aac aca ttg agg gat gac tac gaa 625 Ala Thr Pro Arg Ser Gln Asp Phe Asn Thr Leu Arg Asp Asp Tyr Glu 195 200 205 ccc ggt aac ttg ggc ttt gac cct tgg gcc tcc tcc caa ctg atc ccg 673 Pro Gly Asn Leu Gly Phe Asp Pro Trp Ala Ser Ser Gln Leu Ile Pro 210 215 220 ctg aaa gga agg tta tgc aga 694 Leu Lys Gly Arg Leu Cys Arg 225 230 68 231 PRT Physcomitrella patens 68 His Cys Val Val Leu Ser Phe Ser Pro Arg Phe Trp Gln Ile Cys Val 1 5 10 15 Leu Ile Val Phe Ser Lys Thr Thr Asn Met Ala Ala Ala Ile Ser Ser 20 25 30 Val Ser Cys Ile Ser Ala Ala Lys Leu Phe Ser Val Ala Ala Ala Pro 35 40 45 His Ala Thr Arg Arg Thr Ser Val Leu His Ile Ser Ala Val Ala Asp 50 55 60 Lys Val Ser Pro Asp Pro Ala Val Val Pro Pro Asn Val Leu Glu Tyr 65 70 75 80 Ala Lys Thr Met Pro Gly Val Thr Ala Pro Phe Glu Asn Ile Phe Asp 85 90 95 Pro Ala Asp Leu Leu Ala Arg Ala Ala Ser Ser Pro Arg Pro Ile Lys 100 105 110 Glu Leu Asn Arg Trp Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Thr His Gly Arg Val Ala 115 120 125 Met Leu Ala Ser Leu Gly Phe Ile Val Gln Glu Gln Leu Gln Asp Tyr 130 135 140 Ser Leu Phe Tyr Asn Phe Asp Gly Gln Ile Ser Gly Pro Ala Ile Tyr 145 150 155 160 His Phe Gln Gln Val Glu Ala Arg Gly Ala Val Phe Trp Glu Pro Leu 165 170 175 Ile Phe Ala Ile Ala Leu Cys Glu Ala Tyr Arg Val Gly Leu Gly Trp 180 185 190 Ala Thr Pro Arg Ser Gln Asp Phe Asn Thr Leu Arg Asp Asp Tyr Glu 195 200 205 Pro Gly Asn Leu Gly Phe Asp Pro Trp Ala Ser Ser Gln Leu Ile Pro 210 215 220 Leu Lys Gly Arg Leu Cys Arg 225 230 69 632 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(548) 55_ppprot1_093_b04rev 69 tg ggg gat gca ttc aac atg aga cat cct ntg aca ggc ggc ggc atg 47 Gly Asp Ala Phe Asn Met Arg His Pro Xaa Thr Gly Gly Gly Met 1 5 10 15 acc gtg gct ctt tcc gat att gtt ctg ctc cgg gac atg ctc agg cct 95 Thr Val Ala Leu Ser Asp Ile Val Leu Leu Arg Asp Met Leu Arg Pro 20 25 30 tta agt agt ttt cat gat gct caa tca tta tgc gat tac ttg cag gct 143 Leu Ser Ser Phe His Asp Ala Gln Ser Leu Cys Asp Tyr Leu Gln Ala 35 40 45 ttt tac acg cga cgc aag cct gtt gca gcc act atc aat act ctt gcg 191 Phe Tyr Thr Arg Arg Lys Pro Val Ala Ala Thr Ile Asn Thr Leu Ala 50 55 60 gga gcc ctt tac aaa gtg ttt tgt gac tcc cct gat ttg gcg atg aaa 239 Gly Ala Leu Tyr Lys Val Phe Cys Asp Ser Pro Asp Leu Ala Met Lys 65 70 75 gaa atg aga cag gct tgc ttt gac tat ttg agc att gga ggt gtc ttc 287 Glu Met Arg Gln Ala Cys Phe Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ile Gly Gly Val Phe 80 85 90 95 tca agt gga cca gtt gcc ctt ttg tct gga ctt aac cct cgt cct ttg 335 Ser Ser Gly Pro Val Ala Leu Leu Ser Gly Leu Asn Pro Arg Pro Leu 100 105 110 agt cta gtg gtc cac ttc ttt gcg gtt gct gta tat gga gta ggg aga 383 Ser Leu Val Val His Phe Phe Ala Val Ala Val Tyr Gly Val Gly Arg 115 120 125 ctc ctt gtt cct ttt cct tca ccg tca agg gta tgg att ggc gca cgt 431 Leu Leu Val Pro Phe Pro Ser Pro Ser Arg Val Trp Ile Gly Ala Arg 130 135 140 ctc cta cgg gga gct gcg aat att ata ttc ccg atc att aaa gca gaa 479 Leu Leu Arg Gly Ala Ala Asn Ile Ile Phe Pro Ile Ile Lys Ala Glu 145 150 155 gga gtc agg cag atg ttc ttt cca aat atg gtt cct gca tat tac aaa 527 Gly Val Arg Gln Met Phe Phe Pro Asn Met Val Pro Ala Tyr Tyr Lys 160 165 170 175 gca cca ccg gca gag gag taa gtgaaatgtg atggtgcggt attgaaatta 578 Ala Pro Pro Ala Glu Glu 180 accggtctcg tttactaata aacagagact ggtcattaat tcaaccagtt cctc 632 70 181 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 10 Xaa is Met, Leu, or Val. 70 Gly Asp Ala Phe Asn Met Arg His Pro Xaa Thr Gly Gly Gly Met Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ala Leu Ser Asp Ile Val Leu Leu Arg Asp Met Leu Arg Pro Leu 20 25 30 Ser Ser Phe His Asp Ala Gln Ser Leu Cys Asp Tyr Leu Gln Ala Phe 35 40 45 Tyr Thr Arg Arg Lys Pro Val Ala Ala Thr Ile Asn Thr Leu Ala Gly 50 55 60 Ala Leu Tyr Lys Val Phe Cys Asp Ser Pro Asp Leu Ala Met Lys Glu 65 70 75 80 Met Arg Gln Ala Cys Phe Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ile Gly Gly Val Phe Ser 85 90 95 Ser Gly Pro Val Ala Leu Leu Ser Gly Leu Asn Pro Arg Pro Leu Ser 100 105 110 Leu Val Val His Phe Phe Ala Val Ala Val Tyr Gly Val Gly Arg Leu 115 120 125 Leu Val Pro Phe Pro Ser Pro Ser Arg Val Trp Ile Gly Ala Arg Leu 130 135 140 Leu Arg Gly Ala Ala Asn Ile Ile Phe Pro Ile Ile Lys Ala Glu Gly 145 150 155 160 Val Arg Gln Met Phe Phe Pro Asn Met Val Pro Ala Tyr Tyr Lys Ala 165 170 175 Pro Pro Ala Glu Glu 180 71 602 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (1)..(420) 02_mm14_a07rev 71 cag aac ccg gat ggc ggc tgg ggc gag tcc tgc gcc tcg tac gtc gac 48 Gln Asn Pro Asp Gly Gly Trp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ala Ser Tyr Val Asp 1 5 10 15 ctg cag cag cgc ggt gtc ggc ccc agc acc gcg tcc cag act gcg tgg 96 Leu Gln Gln Arg Gly Val Gly Pro Ser Thr Ala Ser Gln Thr Ala Trp 20 25 30 gca ctc atg gca ctg gtg tca gtg cgc cac tcc agc gag tac tac gac 144 Ala Leu Met Ala Leu Val Ser Val Arg His Ser Ser Glu Tyr Tyr Asp 35 40 45 gca atc agg aat ggt gtg gag tat ctg gtg cgg acg cgc aca gcg gca 192 Ala Ile Arg Asn Gly Val Glu Tyr Leu Val Arg Thr Arg Thr Ala Ala 50 55 60 ggc tca tgg agt gat ggc ggc cta ttc aca ggc act gga ttc cct ggc 240 Gly Ser Trp Ser Asp Gly Gly Leu Phe Thr Gly Thr Gly Phe Pro Gly 65 70 75 80 aac gtc gta ggc acg cgg atc gat ctg ggc acc gat agc tcc aag ccg 288 Asn Val Val Gly Thr Arg Ile Asp Leu Gly Thr Asp Ser Ser Lys Pro 85 90 95 ggc cat gga aac gag ctc agt cgc ggc tac atg ttg cgc tac cac atg 336 Gly His Gly Asn Glu Leu Ser Arg Gly Tyr Met Leu Arg Tyr His Met 100 105 110 tac ccg cat tac ttt cct ctc atg gct ctt ggg cgg gct cgc aag tat 384 Tyr Pro His Tyr Phe Pro Leu Met Ala Leu Gly Arg Ala Arg Lys Tyr 115 120 125 ttc cag cat gtg aag tct ctc cct cgt tcc ctc tga atttatctga 430 Phe Gln His Val Lys Ser Leu Pro Arg Ser Leu 130 135 ctctgaggct gccctcaaaa tttgtaggct ggagaacaga aatattaccg acgtctaaat 490 attaaattaa atccacctct gatcggatcc agtccttgta cacataataa gtcaaacaat 550 gacaatgtgt gactttgaag tacatatcaa tgcatttaca atgggtatgt ca 602 72 139 PRT Physcomitrella patens 72 Gln Asn Pro Asp Gly Gly Trp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ala Ser Tyr Val Asp 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Gln Arg Gly Val Gly Pro Ser Thr Ala Ser Gln Thr Ala Trp 20 25 30 Ala Leu Met Ala Leu Val Ser Val Arg His Ser Ser Glu Tyr Tyr Asp 35 40 45 Ala Ile Arg Asn Gly Val Glu Tyr Leu Val Arg Thr Arg Thr Ala Ala 50 55 60 Gly Ser Trp Ser Asp Gly Gly Leu Phe Thr Gly Thr Gly Phe Pro Gly 65 70 75 80 Asn Val Val Gly Thr Arg Ile Asp Leu Gly Thr Asp Ser Ser Lys Pro 85 90 95 Gly His Gly Asn Glu Leu Ser Arg Gly Tyr Met Leu Arg Tyr His Met 100 105 110 Tyr Pro His Tyr Phe Pro Leu Met Ala Leu Gly Arg Ala Arg Lys Tyr 115 120 125 Phe Gln His Val Lys Ser Leu Pro Arg Ser Leu 130 135 73 602 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (3)..(470) 51_ppprot1_081_a05rev 73 gg ttt cct gat gct cat gtc aca ggt cta gat ttg tcg ccc tac ttt 47 Phe Pro Asp Ala His Val Thr Gly Leu Asp Leu Ser Pro Tyr Phe 1 5 10 15 tta gct gtg gct caa tac atg gag aaa cag agg atc tcc agc ggg ctt 95 Leu Ala Val Ala Gln Tyr Met Glu Lys Gln Arg Ile Ser Ser Gly Leu 20 25 30 gga aga cgc aga cca ata agt tgg gta cat gca aat gga gag tgc acg 143 Gly Arg Arg Arg Pro Ile Ser Trp Val His Ala Asn Gly Glu Cys Thr 35 40 45 ggc ttg cca agt tca tct ttt gat gtg gtt tcg ctt gcc ttc gtg att 191 Gly Leu Pro Ser Ser Ser Phe Asp Val Val Ser Leu Ala Phe Val Ile 50 55 60 cat gaa tgt cct caa cat gct att aga ggt tta ctg aag gag gct ctc 239 His Glu Cys Pro Gln His Ala Ile Arg Gly Leu Leu Lys Glu Ala Leu 65 70 75 aga tta ttg aaa ccc gga gga acc gtg tcg cta act gac aac tcg ccc 287 Arg Leu Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Thr Val Ser Leu Thr Asp Asn Ser Pro 80 85 90 95 aaa tcg aag gtc ctt cag aat ttg cca cct gca ata ttt act cta atg 335 Lys Ser Lys Val Leu Gln Asn Leu Pro Pro Ala Ile Phe Thr Leu Met 100 105 110 aag tct acg gag ccc tgg atg gat gag tac ttc act ttt gac ttg gaa 383 Lys Ser Thr Glu Pro Trp Met Asp Glu Tyr Phe Thr Phe Asp Leu Glu 115 120 125 ggt gaa atg gag aag att ggg ttc atg aat gtc aat tca att atg aca 431 Gly Glu Met Glu Lys Ile Gly Phe Met Asn Val Asn Ser Ile Met Thr 130 135 140 aat cca cga cac cgt act gtc aca ggc act gct cct tag gaatgccggc 480 Asn Pro Arg His Arg Thr Val Thr Gly Thr Ala Pro 145 150 155 agatggctta gaagatttta gtatatgaat tgttaaaggg cattttggag aatccatggc 540 cactttttta ctagatcgaa gttccaagct ccaagagcaa gatgaattaa gttctttttg 600 aa 602 74 155 PRT Physcomitrella patens 74 Phe Pro Asp Ala His Val Thr Gly Leu Asp Leu Ser Pro Tyr Phe Leu 1 5 10 15 Ala Val Ala Gln Tyr Met Glu Lys Gln Arg Ile Ser Ser Gly Leu Gly 20 25 30 Arg Arg Arg Pro Ile Ser Trp Val His Ala Asn Gly Glu Cys Thr Gly 35 40 45 Leu Pro Ser Ser Ser Phe Asp Val Val Ser Leu Ala Phe Val Ile His 50 55 60 Glu Cys Pro Gln His Ala Ile Arg Gly Leu Leu Lys Glu Ala Leu Arg 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Thr Val Ser Leu Thr Asp Asn Ser Pro Lys 85 90 95 Ser Lys Val Leu Gln Asn Leu Pro Pro Ala Ile Phe Thr Leu Met Lys 100 105 110 Ser Thr Glu Pro Trp Met Asp Glu Tyr Phe Thr Phe Asp Leu Glu Gly 115 120 125 Glu Met Glu Lys Ile Gly Phe Met Asn Val Asn Ser Ile Met Thr Asn 130 135 140 Pro Arg His Arg Thr Val Thr Gly Thr Ala Pro 145 150 155 75 475 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (2)..(475) 93_ck24_h05fwd 75 c gac tac ttg aac cag ctc ctc atc aag ttc gac cac gct tgt cca aac 49 Asp Tyr Leu Asn Gln Leu Leu Ile Lys Phe Asp His Ala Cys Pro Asn 1 5 10 15 gtg tac ccc gtt gat ctc ttc gag cgt ttg tgg atg gta gac cgc cta 97 Val Tyr Pro Val Asp Leu Phe Glu Arg Leu Trp Met Val Asp Arg Leu 20 25 30 caa agg ctg gga ata tcc cgc tac ttc gag cga gaa atc aga gac tgt 145 Gln Arg Leu Gly Ile Ser Arg Tyr Phe Glu Arg Glu Ile Arg Asp Cys 35 40 45 cta caa tat gta tac cga tac tgg aag gat tgt ggt att ggc tgg gca 193 Leu Gln Tyr Val Tyr Arg Tyr Trp Lys Asp Cys Gly Ile Gly Trp Ala 50 55 60 agc aat tcg tcc gtg cag gac gtg gac gac acg gcc atg gcc ttc cgc 241 Ser Asn Ser Ser Val Gln Asp Val Asp Asp Thr Ala Met Ala Phe Arg 65 70 75 80 ctt ctc cgc aca cac gga ttc gac gtc aag gag gac tgc ttc aga cag 289 Leu Leu Arg Thr His Gly Phe Asp Val Lys Glu Asp Cys Phe Arg Gln 85 90 95 ttt ttc aaa gat ggt gag ttc ttc tgc ttc gcc ggc cag tcc agc caa 337 Phe Phe Lys Asp Gly Glu Phe Phe Cys Phe Ala Gly Gln Ser Ser Gln 100 105 110 gcc gtc acg gga atg ttc aac ctc agc aga gca tcg caa acg ctc ttc 385 Ala Val Thr Gly Met Phe Asn Leu Ser Arg Ala Ser Gln Thr Leu Phe 115 120 125 cca ggg gaa tca ctc cta aaa aag gcc ana acc ttt tcc aga aac ttt 433 Pro Gly Glu Ser Leu Leu Lys Lys Ala Xaa Thr Phe Ser Arg Asn Phe 130 135 140 ttg aga acc aag cat gaa aac aat gaa tgc ttc gac aag tgg 475 Leu Arg Thr Lys His Glu Asn Asn Glu Cys Phe Asp Lys Trp 145 150 155 76 158 PRT Physcomitrella patens misc_feature 138 Xaa is Arg, Ile, Thr or Lys. 76 Asp Tyr Leu Asn Gln Leu Leu Ile Lys Phe Asp His Ala Cys Pro Asn 1 5 10 15 Val Tyr Pro Val Asp Leu Phe Glu Arg Leu Trp Met Val Asp Arg Leu 20 25 30 Gln Arg Leu Gly Ile Ser Arg Tyr Phe Glu Arg Glu Ile Arg Asp Cys 35 40 45 Leu Gln Tyr Val Tyr Arg Tyr Trp Lys Asp Cys Gly Ile Gly Trp Ala 50 55 60 Ser Asn Ser Ser Val Gln Asp Val Asp Asp Thr Ala Met Ala Phe Arg 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Arg Thr His Gly Phe Asp Val Lys Glu Asp Cys Phe Arg Gln 85 90 95 Phe Phe Lys Asp Gly Glu Phe Phe Cys Phe Ala Gly Gln Ser Ser Gln 100 105 110 Ala Val Thr Gly Met Phe Asn Leu Ser Arg Ala Ser Gln Thr Leu Phe 115 120 125 Pro Gly Glu Ser Leu Leu Lys Lys Ala Xaa Thr Phe Ser Arg Asn Phe 130 135 140 Leu Arg Thr Lys His Glu Asn Asn Glu Cys Phe Asp Lys Trp 145 150 155 77 317 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (49)..(312) 51_ppprot1_0052_a05 77 actggattta ccatacgatg ccactatctt gcaacaaatc tcggctga aag aga gaa 57 Lys Arg Glu 1 gaa aat gaa aaa agc agg att cct atg gcg atg gtg tac aag tac ccc 105 Glu Asn Glu Lys Ser Arg Ile Pro Met Ala Met Val Tyr Lys Tyr Pro 5 10 15 act act ttg ctg cat tct ctg gaa ggc ctg cac cgg gaa gtg gac tgg 153 Thr Thr Leu Leu His Ser Leu Glu Gly Leu His Arg Glu Val Asp Trp 20 25 30 35 aac aag ctc ctc cag cta cag tcc gag aat ggc tcc ttt ctg tat tca 201 Asn Lys Leu Leu Gln Leu Gln Ser Glu Asn Gly Ser Phe Leu Tyr Ser 40 45 50 ccc gca tcc act gca tgc gca ctt gta cac aaa aga tgt gaa gtg ctt 249 Pro Ala Ser Thr Ala Cys Ala Leu Val His Lys Arg Cys Glu Val Leu 55 60 65 cga cta ctt gaa cca gct cct cat caa gtt cga cca cgc ttg tcc aaa 297 Arg Leu Leu Glu Pro Ala Pro His Gln Val Arg Pro Arg Leu Ser Lys 70 75 80 cgt gta ccc cgt tga tctct 317 Arg Val Pro Arg 85 78 87 PRT Physcomitrella patens 78 Lys Arg Glu Glu Asn Glu Lys Ser Arg Ile Pro Met Ala Met Val Tyr 1 5 10 15 Lys Tyr Pro Thr Thr Leu Leu His Ser Leu Glu Gly Leu His Arg Glu 20 25 30 Val Asp Trp Asn Lys Leu Leu Gln Leu Gln Ser Glu Asn Gly Ser Phe 35 40 45 Leu Tyr Ser Pro Ala Ser Thr Ala Cys Ala Leu Val His Lys Arg Cys 50 55 60 Glu Val Leu Arg Leu Leu Glu Pro Ala Pro His Gln Val Arg Pro Arg 65 70 75 80 Leu Ser Lys Arg Val Pro Arg 85 79 1862 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (145)..(1257) 78_pppr0t1_087_e12-259rev 79 ggcacgagga ttgaatgaga gatagatcgc aacgaagctg aagaggccca ggcgttgcgt 60 gttgaagggc ctgtcttagt agcgctccct tcctcctggc gattctgttg gagttgtcgc 120 agagtttcga caactgtcat agcg atg gct gtc gca ctg gga gca gca ggt 171 Met Ala Val Ala Leu Gly Ala Ala Gly 1 5 tct ttt gct ggt gct gct gca gca cgg gcc tgg act tgc agt agc agc 219 Ser Phe Ala Gly Ala Ala Ala Ala Arg Ala Trp Thr Cys Ser Ser Ser 10 15 20 25 atc agc agt tgc aac gag atc cgg acc cgg tcg acg agt gtc acg agt 267 Ile Ser Ser Cys Asn Glu Ile Arg Thr Arg Ser Thr Ser Val Thr Ser 30 35 40 gcg cag gtt tgc ggt ctg ata agg gcg gat gat gag gta gga cga cgc 315 Ala Gln Val Cys Gly Leu Ile Arg Ala Asp Asp Glu Val Gly Arg Arg 45 50 55 ggc gtc aag acg agg agt ctg cgg tct ggg ggg gtg gtg agg cga gct 363 Gly Val Lys Thr Arg Ser Leu Arg Ser Gly Gly Val Val Arg Arg Ala 60 65 70 gtg cag cgg acg gag ccg gag ctt tac gat ggc atc gcc cac ttc tac 411 Val Gln Arg Thr Glu Pro Glu Leu Tyr Asp Gly Ile Ala His Phe Tyr 75 80 85 gat gaa tcg tcg ggc gta tgg gag ggc att tgg ggg gag cac atg cac 459 Asp Glu Ser Ser Gly Val Trp Glu Gly Ile Trp Gly Glu His Met His 90 95 100 105 cat ggc tac tat gac gag gag att gtg gaa gcc gtc gtt gac ggc gat 507 His Gly Tyr Tyr Asp Glu Glu Ile Val Glu Ala Val Val Asp Gly Asp 110 115 120 cct gac cac cgg cga gcg caa atc aag atg att gag aaa tct ctt gcg 555 Pro Asp His Arg Arg Ala Gln Ile Lys Met Ile Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala 125 130 135 tat gct ggc gtt cct gat agc aaa gat ttg aaa ccg aag acg atc gtc 603 Tyr Ala Gly Val Pro Asp Ser Lys Asp Leu Lys Pro Lys Thr Ile Val 140 145 150 gat gtg ggt tgt ggg ata ggg gga agc tca cgt tac ttg gcc cgg aaa 651 Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Ser Ser Arg Tyr Leu Ala Arg Lys 155 160 165 ttc cag gcc aag gtg aat gcc atc acg ctc agc cca gtg cag gtt cag 699 Phe Gln Ala Lys Val Asn Ala Ile Thr Leu Ser Pro Val Gln Val Gln 170 175 180 185 aga gcc gta gac ctt act gcc aag caa ggc tta tct gac ctc gtc aat 747 Arg Ala Val Asp Leu Thr Ala Lys Gln Gly Leu Ser Asp Leu Val Asn 190 195 200 ttc cag gta gcg aat gcc ctg aac cag ccc ttt cag gat ggt tcg ttt 795 Phe Gln Val Ala Asn Ala Leu Asn Gln Pro Phe Gln Asp Gly Ser Phe 205 210 215 gat ctc gtg tgg tcc atg gag agc ggc gag cac atg cca gac aag aaa 843 Asp Leu Val Trp Ser Met Glu Ser Gly Glu His Met Pro Asp Lys Lys 220 225 230 aag ttt gtg ggc gag ctt gca cga gta gca gct ccc ggc ggt cgc att 891 Lys Phe Val Gly Glu Leu Ala Arg Val Ala Ala Pro Gly Gly Arg Ile 235 240 245 atc ctg gtg acg tgg tgc cac cgt gat ctc aag ccc ggt gaa act tct 939 Ile Leu Val Thr Trp Cys His Arg Asp Leu Lys Pro Gly Glu Thr Ser 250 255 260 265 ctc aag cct gac gag cag gat ctt ttg gac aag att tgt gac gca ttc 987 Leu Lys Pro Asp Glu Gln Asp Leu Leu Asp Lys Ile Cys Asp Ala Phe 270 275 280 tac ttg cca gcc tgg tgc tcg ccg tcg gac tac gtc tcc ata gcc aaa 1035 Tyr Leu Pro Ala Trp Cys Ser Pro Ser Asp Tyr Val Ser Ile Ala Lys 285 290 295 gac tta ggc ctg cag gat atc aag agc gag ggc tgg tcc gag tac gtg 1083 Asp Leu Gly Leu Gln Asp Ile Lys Ser Glu Gly Trp Ser Glu Tyr Val 300 305 310 acg ccc ttc tgg cca gcg gtg atg aaa acc gcc ttg tcc atg gaa ggg 1131 Thr Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val Met Lys Thr Ala Leu Ser Met Glu Gly 315 320 325 ctg gtg gga ctg gtc aag tcc ggc tgg act act atg aaa gga gct ttc 1179 Leu Val Gly Leu Val Lys Ser Gly Trp Thr Thr Met Lys Gly Ala Phe 330 335 340 345 gcc atg acg ctc atg atc cag ggc tac cag cga ggg ctc att aaa ttc 1227 Ala Met Thr Leu Met Ile Gln Gly Tyr Gln Arg Gly Leu Ile Lys Phe 350 355 360 gct gcc atc act tgc agg aag cgg gat tga ccgactgatt cagtccttcc 1277 Ala Ala Ile Thr Cys Arg Lys Arg Asp 365 370 tcatttctca tgacatcatg gacaatgtcg caaccgatta cattcttatg ccagtgagga 1337 atggttgcgt ggtttctggt aatcgtcaag cttcggagta taagggattg aggtctccgc 1397 tagtagactt tactatggca tattcaacca tctgtacctt gagggagtaa tcaccaattc 1457 gtgcatacat cattcggcaa aagatcattg gacgtctctt ccagagagag atttgactga 1517 actccattaa gctgcactgc aagacttaag ttacaatcag cacctgttac aatgcatttt 1577 tcatgacttt attttaaagt gagttttcaa agagttttat gatagcttga ttttaagctt 1637 gaaatggtgt tgcaagtcaa gttttatgaa gagtcttcat ctttacaaga atttcacaga 1697 actgtcaaat aggtgattat aatttggaac ggtcatcttt gttacattgt gaaaatatga 1757 attatcctac gtatcagaga acgttattct gggcttgcat gtgttcaatg aattttgaaa 1817 ataaaaaagc atcatctcag tatgataaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaa 1862 80 370 PRT Physcomitrella patens 80 Met Ala Val Ala Leu Gly Ala Ala Gly Ser Phe Ala Gly Ala Ala Ala 1 5 10 15 Ala Arg Ala Trp Thr Cys Ser Ser Ser Ile Ser Ser Cys Asn Glu Ile 20 25 30 Arg Thr Arg Ser Thr Ser Val Thr Ser Ala Gln Val Cys Gly Leu Ile 35 40 45 Arg Ala Asp Asp Glu Val Gly Arg Arg Gly Val Lys Thr Arg Ser Leu 50 55 60 Arg Ser Gly Gly Val Val Arg Arg Ala Val Gln Arg Thr Glu Pro Glu 65 70 75 80 Leu Tyr Asp Gly Ile Ala His Phe Tyr Asp Glu Ser Ser Gly Val Trp 85 90 95 Glu Gly Ile Trp Gly Glu His Met His His Gly Tyr Tyr Asp Glu Glu 100 105 110 Ile Val Glu Ala Val Val Asp Gly Asp Pro Asp His Arg Arg Ala Gln 115 120 125 Ile Lys Met Ile Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Tyr Ala Gly Val Pro Asp Ser 130 135 140 Lys Asp Leu Lys Pro Lys Thr Ile Val Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly 145 150 155 160 Gly Ser Ser Arg Tyr Leu Ala Arg Lys Phe Gln Ala Lys Val Asn Ala 165 170 175 Ile Thr Leu Ser Pro Val Gln Val Gln Arg Ala Val Asp Leu Thr Ala 180 185 190 Lys Gln Gly Leu Ser Asp Leu Val Asn Phe Gln Val Ala Asn Ala Leu 195 200 205 Asn Gln Pro Phe Gln Asp Gly Ser Phe Asp Leu Val Trp Ser Met Glu 210 215 220 Ser Gly Glu His Met Pro Asp Lys Lys Lys Phe Val Gly Glu Leu Ala 225 230 235 240 Arg Val Ala Ala Pro Gly Gly Arg Ile Ile Leu Val Thr Trp Cys His 245 250 255 Arg Asp Leu Lys Pro Gly Glu Thr Ser Leu Lys Pro Asp Glu Gln Asp 260 265 270 Leu Leu Asp Lys Ile Cys Asp Ala Phe Tyr Leu Pro Ala Trp Cys Ser 275 280 285 Pro Ser Asp Tyr Val Ser Ile Ala Lys Asp Leu Gly Leu Gln Asp Ile 290 295 300 Lys Ser Glu Gly Trp Ser Glu Tyr Val Thr Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val 305 310 315 320 Met Lys Thr Ala Leu Ser Met Glu Gly Leu Val Gly Leu Val Lys Ser 325 330 335 Gly Trp Thr Thr Met Lys Gly Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Leu Met Ile Gln 340 345 350 Gly Tyr Gln Arg Gly Leu Ile Lys Phe Ala Ala Ile Thr Cys Arg Lys 355 360 365 Arg Asp 370 81 1962 DNA Physcomitrella patens CDS (367)..(1842) 78_ppprot1_092_e12-260rev 81 gaattcggca cgaggcggag cgatctgtgt gttgtgatcg gtgcctctct ctttcgtgtt 60 ctccttatcg cgcgcttcgt ctcgatctgc ctggaagcca atgcaccaaa ggggcaagtc 120 catcaaccga cgctcccgga ctttttctcg cacccgcatc gccatcgaag gccattgatc 180 ctggctccgg gagtgttcgg aaaattctga tctgcggtgg ttgggagttt gggacgctgg 240 ctctggttgc cttgccgtga caaggaggcg cccgcaagaa gaagaagaag aagaagaaga 300 agtcttgagt tgcgcgcttt tcgtgactgt tccaccactg agattgttct tgtctctgtc 360 gcaatc atg gcg gtc aat acc gag cgt tct ctt caa tca act tac tgg 408 Met Ala Val Asn Thr Glu Arg Ser Leu Gln Ser Thr Tyr Trp 1 5 10 aag gag cat tct gtg gag cct agc gtt gag gca atg atg ctt gat tcg 456 Lys Glu His Ser Val Glu Pro Ser Val Glu Ala Met Met Leu Asp Ser 15 20 25 30 cag gcc tcc aaa ctc gat aaa gaa gaa cga ccc gag att ttg tcg ctg 504 Gln Ala Ser Lys Leu Asp Lys Glu Glu Arg Pro Glu Ile Leu Ser Leu 35 40 45 ttg ccg cca tat gaa aac aag gat gtc atg gag ctc gga gca ggc atc 552 Leu Pro Pro Tyr Glu Asn Lys Asp Val Met Glu Leu Gly Ala Gly Ile 50 55 60 ggt cgg ttt act ggt gag ctt gca aag cat gca ggt cat gtg ctt gcc 600 Gly Arg Phe Thr Gly Glu Leu Ala Lys His Ala Gly His Val Leu Ala 65 70 75 atg gat ttc atg gag aat ctc atc aag aag aac gag gat gtg aac ggt 648 Met Asp Phe Met Glu Asn Leu Ile Lys Lys Asn Glu Asp Val Asn Gly 80 85 90 cac tac aac aac atc gat ttc aaa tgt gcg gat gtg acc tct cca gac 696 His Tyr Asn Asn Ile Asp Phe Lys Cys Ala Asp Val Thr Ser Pro Asp 95 100 105 110 ctg aat att gca gca ggt tct gcg gat ctc gtg ttt tca aat tgg ctt 744 Leu Asn Ile Ala Ala Gly Ser Ala Asp Leu Val Phe Ser Asn Trp Leu 115 120 125 ctc atg tac ttg tct gac gaa gag gtt aaa ggc tta gca tca cgc gtt 792 Leu Met Tyr Leu Ser Asp Glu Glu Val Lys Gly Leu Ala Ser Arg Val 130 135 140 atg gag tgg ctc agg cct gga gga tac att ttc ttc aga gaa tcc tgc 840 Met Glu Trp Leu Arg Pro Gly Gly Tyr Ile Phe Phe Arg Glu Ser Cys 145 150 155 ttc cac cag tca gga gat cac aag cga aag aac aat cct act cac tac 888 Phe His Gln Ser Gly Asp His Lys Arg Lys Asn Asn Pro Thr His Tyr 160 165 170 cgt caa ccc aac gag tac acg aac atc ttc cag cag gcc tac atc gaa 936 Arg Gln Pro Asn Glu Tyr Thr Asn Ile Phe Gln Gln Ala Tyr Ile Glu 175 180 185 190 gag gat ggg tcc tat ttc agg ttt gaa atg gtc gga tgc aaa tgt gtc 984 Glu Asp Gly Ser Tyr Phe Arg Phe Glu Met Val Gly Cys Lys Cys Val 195 200 205 ggc aca tac gtg cga aat aag aga aat caa aac cag gtg tgt tgg tta 1032 Gly Thr Tyr Val Arg Asn Lys Arg Asn Gln Asn Gln Val Cys Trp Leu 210 215 220 tgg agg aaa gtt cag tcg gat gga cct gag agc gag tgt ttc cag aag 1080 Trp Arg Lys Val Gln Ser Asp Gly Pro Glu Ser Glu Cys Phe Gln Lys 225 230 235 ttt ttg gac acc caa cag tac acg tca act gga atc ctg cgt tac gag 1128 Phe Leu Asp Thr Gln Gln Tyr Thr Ser Thr Gly Ile Leu Arg Tyr Glu 240 245 250 cgt att ttt gga gaa gga ttt gtt agc acg ggt gga atc gaa acc acg 1176 Arg Ile Phe Gly Glu Gly Phe Val Ser Thr Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Thr 255 260 265 270 aaa gct ttt gta agt atg ctg gac ttg aag cca gga cag cgt gtc ctt 1224 Lys Ala Phe Val Ser Met Leu Asp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gln Arg Val Leu 275 280 285 gac gtt gga tgt ggg atc gga ggt ggt gat ttc tac atg gcc gaa gaa 1272 Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Gly Asp Phe Tyr Met Ala Glu Glu 290 295 300 tat gat gct gaa gtt gtt ggc atc gac ctg tcc tta aat atg att tcg 1320 Tyr Asp Ala Glu Val Val Gly Ile Asp Leu Ser Leu Asn Met Ile Ser 305 310 315 ttt gct ctt gaa cga tcg atc ggc aga aaa tgt gca gtc gag ttt gaa 1368 Phe Ala Leu Glu Arg Ser Ile Gly Arg Lys Cys Ala Val Glu Phe Glu 320 325 330 gtt ggg gat tgc acc aag att aat tac cct cac gca tct ttt gat gtc 1416 Val Gly Asp Cys Thr Lys Ile Asn Tyr Pro His Ala Ser Phe Asp Val 335 340 345 350 atc tac agt cgt gat acc att cta cac att caa gat aaa cct gcg ctt 1464 Ile Tyr Ser Arg Asp Thr Ile Leu His Ile Gln Asp Lys Pro Ala Leu 355 360 365 ttt caa cgg ttt tat aaa tgg ttg aag cct gga ggt cgg gtg ctt atc 1512 Phe Gln Arg Phe Tyr Lys Trp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Arg Val Leu Ile 370 375 380 agt gac tac tgt aga gct cca caa act ccg tcg gcg gag ttc gct gca 1560 Ser Asp Tyr Cys Arg Ala Pro Gln Thr Pro Ser Ala Glu Phe Ala Ala 385 390 395 tac att cag cag agg ggt tat gat ctc cat agc gtt cag aag tac gga 1608 Tyr Ile Gln Gln Arg Gly Tyr Asp Leu His Ser Val Gln Lys Tyr Gly 400 405 410 gag atg ctg gaa gat gcc ggt ttt gtg gaa gtg gtc gca gag gac cgc 1656 Glu Met Leu Glu Asp Ala Gly Phe Val Glu Val Val Ala Glu Asp Arg 415 420 425 430 acg gat cag ttc att gaa gtg tta cag agg gag cta gcc acc act gaa 1704 Thr Asp Gln Phe Ile Glu Val Leu Gln Arg Glu Leu Ala Thr Thr Glu 435 440 445 gca ggt cgt gac cag ttc atc aac gat ttc tcc gag gag gat tat aac 1752 Ala Gly Arg Asp Gln Phe Ile Asn Asp Phe Ser Glu Glu Asp Tyr Asn 450 455 460 tac att gtg agc gga tgg aag agt aag ctg aag cgc tgt tcg aat gac 1800 Tyr Ile Val Ser Gly Trp Lys Ser Lys Leu Lys Arg Cys Ser Asn Asp 465 470 475 gaa cag aag tgg gga ctc ttc ata gcc tac aag gca tta tga 1842 Glu Gln Lys Trp Gly Leu Phe Ile Ala Tyr Lys Ala Leu 480 485 490 tcttgaaatt atttcggata tagataaaac agcattgttg gaatagttca cacttgagag 1902 tctgttttgt cttcttataa ataaacatcg atactattca cccaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1962 82 491 PRT Physcomitrella patens 82 Met Ala Val Asn Thr Glu Arg Ser Leu Gln Ser Thr Tyr Trp Lys Glu 1 5 10 15 His Ser Val Glu Pro Ser Val Glu Ala Met Met Leu Asp Ser Gln Ala 20 25 30 Ser Lys Leu Asp Lys Glu Glu Arg Pro Glu Ile Leu Ser Leu Leu Pro 35 40 45 Pro Tyr Glu Asn Lys Asp Val Met Glu Leu Gly Ala Gly Ile Gly Arg 50 55 60 Phe Thr Gly Glu Leu Ala Lys His Ala Gly His Val Leu Ala Met Asp 65 70 75 80 Phe Met Glu Asn Leu Ile Lys Lys Asn Glu Asp Val Asn Gly His Tyr 85 90 95 Asn Asn Ile Asp Phe Lys Cys Ala Asp Val Thr Ser Pro Asp Leu Asn 100 105 110 Ile Ala Ala Gly Ser Ala Asp Leu Val Phe Ser Asn Trp Leu Leu Met 115 120 125 Tyr Leu Ser Asp Glu Glu Val Lys Gly Leu Ala Ser Arg Val Met Glu 130 135 140 Trp Leu Arg Pro Gly Gly Tyr Ile Phe Phe Arg Glu Ser Cys Phe His 145 150 155 160 Gln Ser Gly Asp His Lys Arg Lys Asn Asn Pro Thr His Tyr Arg Gln 165 170 175 Pro Asn Glu Tyr Thr Asn Ile Phe Gln Gln Ala Tyr Ile Glu Glu Asp 180 185 190 Gly Ser Tyr Phe Arg Phe Glu Met Val Gly Cys Lys Cys Val Gly Thr 195 200 205 Tyr Val Arg Asn Lys Arg Asn Gln Asn Gln Val Cys Trp Leu Trp Arg 210 215 220 Lys Val Gln Ser Asp Gly Pro Glu Ser Glu Cys Phe Gln Lys Phe Leu 225 230 235 240 Asp Thr Gln Gln Tyr Thr Ser Thr Gly Ile Leu Arg Tyr Glu Arg Ile 245 250 255 Phe Gly Glu Gly Phe Val Ser Thr Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Thr Lys Ala 260 265 270 Phe Val Ser Met Leu Asp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gln Arg Val Leu Asp Val 275 280 285 Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Gly Asp Phe Tyr Met Ala Glu Glu Tyr Asp 290 295 300 Ala Glu Val Val Gly Ile Asp Leu Ser Leu Asn Met Ile Ser Phe Ala 305 310 315 320 Leu Glu Arg Ser Ile Gly Arg Lys Cys Ala Val Glu Phe Glu Val Gly 325 330 335 Asp Cys Thr Lys Ile Asn Tyr Pro His Ala Ser Phe Asp Val Ile Tyr 340 345 350 Ser Arg Asp Thr Ile Leu His Ile Gln Asp Lys Pro Ala Leu Phe Gln 355 360 365 Arg Phe Tyr Lys Trp Leu Lys Pro Gly Gly Arg Val Leu Ile Ser Asp 370 375 380 Tyr Cys Arg Ala Pro Gln Thr Pro Ser Ala Glu Phe Ala Ala Tyr Ile 385 390 395 400 Gln Gln Arg Gly Tyr Asp Leu His Ser Val Gln Lys Tyr Gly Glu Met 405 410 415 Leu Glu Asp Ala Gly Phe Val Glu Val Val Ala Glu Asp Arg Thr Asp 420 425 430 Gln Phe Ile Glu Val Leu Gln Arg Glu Leu Ala Thr Thr Glu Ala Gly 435 440 445 Arg Asp Gln Phe Ile Asn Asp Phe Ser Glu Glu Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Ile 450 455 460 Val Ser Gly Trp Lys Ser Lys Leu Lys Arg Cys Ser Asn Asp Glu Gln 465 470 475 480 Lys Trp Gly Leu Phe Ile Ala Tyr Lys Ala Leu 485 490 

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule from a moss encoding a Tocopherol and Carotenoid Metabolism Related Protein (TCMRP), or a portion thereof.
 2. An isolated nuclei acid molecule wherein the moss is selected from Physcomitrella patens or Ceratodon purpureus.
 3. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 or 2, wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes an TCMRP capable of performing an enzymatic step involved in the production of a fine chemical.
 4. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes an TCMRP capable of performing an enzymatic step involved in the metabolism of tocopherols and/or carotenoids.
 5. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes an TCMRP assisting in the transmembrane transport.
 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule from mosses selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix A, or a portion thereof.
 7. An isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix B.
 8. An isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a naturally occurring allelic variant of a polypeptide selected from the group of amino acid sequences consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix B.
 9. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 50% homologous to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix A, or a portion thereof.
 10. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a fragment of at least 15 nucleotides of a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix A.
 11. An isolated nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1-10 under stringent conditions.
 12. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1-11 or a portion thereof and a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide.
 13. A vector comprising one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) of any one of claims 1-12.
 14. The vector of claim 13, which is an expression vector.
 15. A host cell transformed with one or more expression vector(s) of claim
 14. 16. The host cell of claim 15, wherein said cell is a microorganism.
 17. The host cell of claim 15, wherein said cell belongs to the genus mosses or algae.
 18. The host cell of claim 15, wherein said cell is a plant cell.
 19. The host cell of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the expression of said nucleic acid molecule(s) results in the modulation of the production of a fine chemical from said cell.
 20. The host cell of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the expression of said nucleic acid molecule(s) results in the modulation of the production of tocopherols and/or carotenoids from said cell.
 21. Descendants, seeds or reproducable cell material derived from a host cell of any one of claims 15 to
 20. 22. A method of producing one or more polypeptide(s) comprising culturing the host cell of any one of claims 15 to 20 in an appropriate culture medium to, thereby, produce the polypeptide.
 23. An isolated TCMRP from mosses or algae or a portion thereof.
 24. An isolated TCMRP from microorganisms or fungi or a portion thereof.
 25. An isolated TCMRP from plants or a portion thereof.
 26. The polypeptide of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein said polypeptide is involved in the production of a fine chemical.
 27. The polypeptide of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein said polypeptide is involved in assisting in transmembrane transport.
 28. An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix B.
 29. An isolated polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring allelic variant of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix B, or a portion thereof.
 30. The isolated polypeptide of any of claims 23 to 29, further comprising heterologous amino acid sequences.
 31. An isolated polypeptide which is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 50% homologous to a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix A.
 32. An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% homologous to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of those sequences set forth in Appendix B.
 33. An antibody specifically binding to a TCMRP of any one of claims 23 to 32 or a portion thereof.
 34. Test kit comprising a nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 12, a portion and/or a complement thereof used as probe or primer for identifying and/or cloning further nucleic acid molecules involved in the production of tocopherols and/or carotenoids or assisting in transmembrane transport in other cell types or organisms.
 35. Test kit comprising an TCMRP-antibody of claim 33 for identifying and/or purifying further TCMRP molecules or fragments thereof in other cell types or organisms.
 36. A method for producing a fine chemical, comprising culturing a cell containing one or more vector(s) of claim 13 or 14 such that the fine chemical is produced.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein said method further comprises the step of recovering the fine chemical from said culture.
 38. The method of claim 36 or 37, wherein said method further comprises the step of transforming said cell with one or more vector(s) of claim 13 or 14 to result in a cell containing said vector(s).
 39. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein said cell is a microorganism.
 40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein said cell belongs to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium.
 41. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein said cell belongs to the genus mosses or algae.
 42. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein said cell is a plant cell.
 43. The method of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein expression of one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) from said vector(s) results in modulation of the production of said fine chemical.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein said fine chemical is selected from the group consisting of tocopherols and carotenoids.
 45. A method for producing a fine chemical, comprising culturing a cell whose genomic DNA has been altered by the inclusion of one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) of any one of claims 1-12.
 46. A method of claim 45, comprising culturing a cell whose membrane has been altered by the inclusion of one or more polypeptide(s) of any one of claims 22 to
 32. 47. A fine chemical produced by a method of any one of claims 36 to
 46. 48. Use of a fine chemical of claim 47 or polypeptide(s) of any one of claims 22 to 32 for the production of another fine chemical. 